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.).
Yes the number of airframes will definitely be reduced, but I don't see it going away any time soon. Anything that requires loading through the nose is either Antonovs or Military, or 747.