We’re pretty much coming to the end of an era as most airlines are retiring the queen of the skies, the 747. Let’s face it when it comes to airplanes size matters and there’s no better journey than one on a wide bodied aircraft.
Cathay Pacific have just said goodbye to their massive fleet of 747s and with their last run of Hong Kong – Manila. But don’t fret there here are a few ways to fly this wide body super plane without the investment of a long haul flight. Also I have a few hacks to enjoy the Airbus A380 on shorter, cheaper routes.
But first if you want to see our insider’s videos and pictures of Cathay Pacific click here. And when you’re done let’s get back to the queen of the skies because here’s what you need to know to fly the grand lady.
Airlines that are still heavy on the 747
- Lufthansa
- British Airways
- Thai Airways
- Japan Airlines
- United
- Qantas
- KLM
- Malaysia Airlines
Airlines that have retired their 747s
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- ANA
- Air France
And those that still have a few 747s left
- China Airlines
- EVA Air
- Delta Airlines
Often the challenge is that flying a premium cabin on a long haul flight can be quite expensive. So I have a list here of routes where you can enjoy a wide bodied aircraft on a shorter and therefore less expensive ticket. Because remember with airplanes size matters.
Large planes of small journeys
- BKK-HKG Thai airways use a 747 once a day on the morning flight- only 2 and half hour flying time
- Vancouver – JFK Cathay Pacific uses the 777 about a 4-5-hour flight
- HKG-BKK Emirates use their A380 with only 2 and half hours flying time
- Singapore- Narita on United is 5 hours on a 747
- Singapore – Jakarta on KLM uses a 777 for only a 1 hour flight
- Kuala Lumpur – Taipei China Airlines uses a 747 for only 4 hours flying time
Now onto the long routes because the future of long haul wide bodies is very positive.
Qantas is soon going to fly the longest route possible from Perth to Europe. This will make it the first nonstop South Pacific route in history. Thanks to the A350 a lot of new possibilities have opened up. The A350 like the 787 Dreamliner is designed to be more fuel efficient allowing for longer flying time and more economical operation.
A350 routes I’d like to try
- LAX-Auckland
- LAX- Singapore
And get ready because Singapore Airlines in 2018 will resume their epic Newark to Singapore non-stop which takes about 19 hours depending upon winds. This is all thanks to the new Airbus A350-900ULR (ultralong-range) model. Trust me the future of wide bodied aircraft is looking very exciting.
Daniel Green, the Model Cook is a Celebrity Chef known for his healthy approach to food and living well. With TV, books, magazines and live appearances, Daniel spends his time helping fans to cook better, feel better and live better. He’s also an avid traveler and a self-confessed Foodie.
To contact Daniel or learn more visit www.themodelcook.com or follow on Twitter and Facebook.
