The vast world of commercial aviation never stands still and, after a few quiet months following the Farnborough International Airshow, a rash of significant orders have been placed recently. Probably the most eye-catching is the Ryanair deal for 100 of Boeing’s newly launched 737 MAX 200 (see News International). As the title suggests, it will seat 200 passengers, almost double that of the original 1960s 737-100 design, and will provide even better economics than the other MAX variants.
Britsh Airways’ decision to refit its Boeing 747s shows there's life in the old girl yet!
(KOVÁCS GÁBOR)
The Boeing 747 has been a stalwart of the long-haul sector for 44 years, but despite the arrival of the latest version – he 747-8 – its popularity has waned in the past 20 years in favour of twin jets such as the company’s own 777. Its crown as the world’s largest passenger airliner was lost to the Airbus A380 in 2007 and orders have slipped to a mere trickle. Many older airframes have been consigned quietly to the desert ‘bone yards’ as carriers retire the type. However, British Airways is to give 18 of its examples a comprehensive cabin refit and retain them alongside its latest A380 and 787 Dreamliners – there’s life in the old girl yet!