747-400 BA how long?

[Speedbird744]

How many years left has the 747-400 got with BA? I heard that 12 are being traded, that still leaves 45. Could they swap all of them for 777-300's?? Is the 777-300 capable of replacing the 747-400's?
Will this jumbo be around in BA colours in 20 years time?

[exeng]

Probably not in 20 years time as the airframes will no doubt by then be considered as well past their sell-by date.

However as the 747-400 stands it is considered a very fine aircraft which is well suited to a lot of BA's routes. It's contribution in BA will continue for many years yet.

I believe it is also very possible that at some future stage stategy with regard to capacity will reverse and more 400's will be purchased. BA have never ever made a significant decision in the past that hasn't been reversed at some future time. It's a funny old world!


Regards
Exeng

[Speedbird744]

When you say not in 20 years time, what aircraft can possible replace it, now that BA have concentrated on cutting down seats?
Is it also not advanced enough, when you talk about its airframe?

[EDDNR]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">heard that 12 are being traded</font>

744, your news is yesterdays, BA are now keeping all the 744's and in fact are recruiting DEP's onto it (see other threads). There will always be a requirement for an aircraft larger than a 777 in BA's route network.

How long? 10 years plus is my guess. The 744 is still being manufactured so even if BA need to, they could still buy more.

That's todays news.

Rod