Boeing 747 (BA) Flying into the Sunset?

Once one of the world's foremost operators of the iconic Boeing 747 (NYSE:BA) jumbo jetliner, Japan Airlines International Co. on Tuesday retired its last two 747s, ending the airline's storied run with the plane.

JAL is the latest carrier to retire its fleet of 747s in favor of newer, more fuel-efficient models. Meanwhile, executives at Boeing Co. are trying hard to reverse the 747's flight into the sunset.

Last month, in a splashy ceremony at its massive Everett, Wash., factory, Boeing unveiled its latest jumbo jet, dubbed the 747-8 Intercontinental. A freighter version made its debut last year and is undergoing flight tests.

But the 747-8 has been slow to win airline orders, with just two operators signed up so far. Deutsche Lufthansa AG has ordered 20 and Korean Air Lines Co. has five on the books. Boeing officials say they are confident that once the plane proves itself during flight tests and early commercial use, other airlines will place orders.




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