Originally Posted by
3pointlanding
As much as I love the "Queen of the sky" I have to let progress have its way. True the 747 can fly a lot of outside cargo that no other can, but out size cargo is a limited quantity and a lot of the Jumbos will eventually go away for lack of need. The 777 can't handle the weight the 747 can but compare fuel cost per lb. and the 747 doesn't compare. The FedEx 777 can fly from Guangou to Memphis at max gross weight with reserves (17 hrs.).
True if “max gross weight” refers to takeoff weight. The 777F can only do about 10 hours (HKG/ANC) plus reserves if loaded to max zero fuel weight. However, it will fly 20+ hours with full tanks and about half full of cargo. I’ve done over 19….it was a long, long day. I don’t miss the 747. I’m glad I got to fly it, but it will always be the coolest looking wide-body IMO.