Other than niche market requirements for nose loaders (such as Atlas), industry trend seems to be moving the other way . . Pax carriers, FedEx, Luffty (Lufthansa Cargo), and others don't agree . . . not even a super big 747f (the scarebus 380f) had found significant demand.
I applaud the 747-8, but also expect that they will prove to be the last of the "two engine on one wing" aviation era. . . . . for profitable quirky economic long haul, expect for the 777f to eventually kick pants.
Yup, you know the score.
Even in the pax market, two engines is the way to go, for new airplanes.
Even as far back as 1980, when the (then) DFO at SQ, Capt SK (Charlie) Chan and I had adult beverages over a couple of Havanas, this was discussed..and we both came to the obvious...two engines rule.
Took awhile, but you can now see the writing on the wall...clearly.
Especially important in the freight market...
for profitable quirky economic long haul, expect for the 777f to eventually kick pants.
Gotta happen.
