Why have flights on double-decker planes become increasingly rare?

They are true engineering juggernauts, defying physics as they take off and land. Double-decker passenger planes — such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 — remain a favorite among travelers.

Perhaps it’s because of the quiet and spacious cabin, or the luxuries offered on board, such as suites with showers and bars. For aviation enthusiasts, there’s also the charm of flying on the upper deck or in the iconic “nose” of the plane. But it’s only a matter of time before these giants say goodbye for good.

More than 50 years ago, the 747 ushered in the era of jumbo jets, making air travel more accessible around the world. Today, however, these planes are too large and expensive for most airlines to afford .

Still, passengers will have the chance to fly on them for at least another decade. There are currently 11 airlines operating double-deckers. And to stay competitive, some are even investing in improvements, such as new seats and upgrades to in-flight service.

What will the future of superjumbos look like?

Neither of these models is currently in production. Boeing ended production of the 747 in 2022, and Airbus did the same with the A380 — the world’s largest passenger plane — in 2021. That means their survival depends on the models already in their fleets.

The pandemic has accelerated the retirement of these models, as was the case with Air France, which permanently retired its 10 A380s. “The problem with the A380 is not necessarily its size, but its low efficiency ,” explains Brian Sumers , aviation expert and founder of *The Airline Observer*.

“Boeing realized before Airbus that the future was in lighter, twin-engine, single-aisle jets. Now, of course, they both know that.”

Still, production delays and global parts supply constraints are making it difficult to deliver new aircraft . This, coupled with continued demand for premium experiences, is extending the lifespan of the A380s and 747s.

Qantas and Etihad, for example, were preparing to retire the A380, but ended up bringing their planes back into the skies.

British start-up Global Airlines is breaking the mold: it has bought a used A380 and plans to acquire three more . The idea is to operate transatlantic flights later this year with a 16-year-old A380. But the economic viability of the plan is questionable.

“The aviation industry is already challenging under normal conditions. Operating with a small and inefficient fleet makes it even more difficult,” says Sumers.

And there's another twist: the last Boeing 747 hasn't even entered service yet. Two new 747-8s are being adapted — amid controversy — to become the future US presidential planes (Air Force One), with their debut scheduled for 2029.

Companies that still operate 747s and A380s

Check out the airlines that still fly double-decker planes — including those with the best onboard experiences (yes, we're talking bars, lounges, suites and more).

Air China

One of only three airlines still using the Boeing 747 (the others are Lufthansa and Korean Air). It has nine units — two 747-400s and seven 747-8s — and, for now, there are no plans to retire them.

ANA (All Nippon Airways)

Japan 's largest airline was the last to order new A380s in 2020. It has three of them, which operate exclusively between Tokyo and Honolulu. In addition to modern cabins in business and first classes, the planes are decorated with a Hawaiian-themed livery called Flying Honu. And the oldest of them is only six years old.

Asiana Airlines

South Korea's Asiana has six A380s. On the upper deck, there is a lounge area with sofas, exclusively for business class passengers. The company is expected to merge with Korean Air in the coming years.

British Airways

It put its A380s back into service at the end of 2021 and intends to keep them in the fleet for many years. In 2025, the company will begin refurbishing the 12 planes with a new first-class suite.

Emirates

The Dubai-based carrier is the world’s largest operator of A380s, with 116 aircraft. It is expected to continue flying them for more than a decade. “Emirates was the only one that really understood how to use the A380,” says Sumers.

Highlights include first-class suites with spa and shower , a bar and lounge in business class , and a new billion-dollar investment to add premium economy cabins to 67 planes.

Etihad Airways

It reactivated its 486-seat A380 in 2023. It currently has six in operation and a seventh is expected to return later this year. It is famous for “The Residence,” a three-room suite with a living room, bedroom and bathroom — an experience worthy of a private jet.

On board, there are also nine first class seats with separate beds and armchairs, as well as a bar and spa. Routes include New York, London, Paris and Singapore (Toronto will replace NY in August 2025).

Korean Air

It operates both the 747 and the A380. However, those who can choose should opt for the 747, which has more modern interiors and direct aisle access in all business class seats — which is not the case with the A380.

“Some customers choose us specifically to fly double-decker aircraft,” says David Pacey, VP of inflight services.

While both were scheduled to retire by 2025, delivery delays have kept the planes in operation. In March, the airline launched a new in-flight service, featuring revamped menus and Frette-branded comfort items.

It also offers one of the largest legroom areas in economy class, with 33–34 inches of seat pitch.

Lufthansa

The world's largest operator of the 747, Germany's Lufthansa, plans to keep the planes around for longer. The 747-8 models will undergo a makeover , with new first-class suites, an Allegris business cabin and an upgraded premium economy.

Meanwhile, eight A380s have already returned to service, with two more on the way. The return is due to delays in the delivery of the Boeing 777-9. From next year, the A380 will also have a new business class, replacing the old 2-2-2 layout.

Qantas

The Australian airline has refurbished its A380s in recent years, with more premium seats, 70 new business suites, an extended premium economy section with 60 seats, as well as improvements to first class and the onboard lounge.

“The A380 has been a firm favourite with our customers since it first began flying in 2008,” says CEO Cam Wallace.

He says the planes are expected to remain in service until 2032, when they will be replaced by the Airbus A350. Eight A380s are currently in service, with two more returning in 2025 — one for the Dallas-Sydney route from August.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has a fleet of eight A380s, with no retirement date yet. While these aircraft do not feature the state-of-the-art Qsuite business class, they do offer an onboard bar, lounge and a first class cabin with eight seats.

Singapore Airlines

It operates 12 A380s, famous for their luxurious first-class suites. These are real rooms measuring over 50 m², with reclining seats, separate beds (two suites can be converted into a double bed) and sliding doors. The company has no immediate plans to retire the fleet.

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