For the current generation of aviators, 2020 has been a year of crisis with unprecedented depth. There had never been a year when flights declined by more than 90% and this regression lasted for months. Of course, the price was heavy. Many workers were unemployed, and many aircraft were left unattended. Although 6 months have passed since the worst period of the crisis, normalization did not occur. The sector continues to be fragile and volatile, as the insecurity of passengers continues. Airlines prioritizing efficient aircraft for savings brought the retirement of many older aircraft types. Therefore, as passengers, we had to say goodbye to many aircraft types by 2020. We have compiled the leading international airliners which are defeated by Covid-19 crisis with their service periods and total number built.
50(?) years – Boeing 747 (1562 units built)
Who would have thought that the queen of the sky would say goodbye to us in 2020? It will undoubtedly be the most missed, shared, remembered, and respected aircraft type after Concorde. While Concorde was a champion sprint athlete, Boeing 747 was the weightlifting champion. She reduced the transatlantic flights to the figures large masses could afford. Her first commercial flight was on January 22, 1970. It is no longer clear how long the model, which continues its existence as the 747-8 series, will continue to carry passengers.
48 Years – Tupolev Tu-154 (1026 units built)
Although not known to Western countries passengers, this Soviet production used on flights to Asia, the Middle and Far East was a great success for the model time. The model, which started passenger flights on February 7, 1972, lost its popularity in the 2000s due to noise limitations. She continued to fly in some countries and managed to come to this day.
40 Years – McDonnell Douglas MD80/90 (1307 units built)
Another aviation veteran who was fully retired in 2020 was the McDonnell Douglas MD80 and MD90 models. The model, which started its commercial flights on September 13, 1980, was used especially in domestic flights by the USA until last year. Even though it has lost its popularity especially in the last 10 years, it has managed to become a model memorized by aviation enthusiasts.
38 Years – Boeing 767 (1206 units built)
The model, which started commercial passenger transportation service as of September 8, 1982, had already begun to retire in recent years. The Covid-19 crisis accelerated this process. However, this model continues to fly by being converted into a cargo plane due to its wide body, twin engine and advantage in the secondhand parts and supply market.
37(?) Years – Boeing 757 (1050 units built)
Another model that will be missed by airlines due to its unique technical advantages, even if not by passengers, is the Boeing 757 series. How ironic that this model, whose value was understood later, even too late, became the sought-after model with the Covid-19 crisis. The model, which started commercial flights on January 1, 1983, took its place among the models retired in 2020. However, it seems that she will be renewed and come back among us due to the ongoing demand and longing (maybe even regret). This is the main reason of our question mark in the title…
37 years – Airbus A310 (255 units built)
This aircraft, which was Airbus’ first long-range model, began carrying passengers in April 1983. Again, as the marketing strategy of Airbus’s new models, it was withdrawn from service for years. Although it was in the fleet of a small number of airlines as of 2020, it was one of the models that failed to overcome the Covid-19 crisis.
27 years – Airbus A340 (377 units built)
Airbus A340, which joined aviation as a rival player of the transatlantic market opened by the Boeing 747, managed to create its own fan base with its unique design. The model, which started commercial flights in March 1993, has been largely retired by 2020.
13(?) Years – Airbus A380 (343 units built)
The model, which started carrying passengers on 25 October 2007, was the largest passenger plane in service. The model, which contained many technical innovations, could not create the expected excitement and commitment on the majority of passengers. Of course, the main factor in this was that the airlines operating the model were constantly questioning the efficiency of the aircraft due to the changing market conditions. Its popularity fell at par with the speed it rose. Due to the current number of active aircraft and Airbus’s efforts to keep this model in service, the future of the aircraft still poses questions.
