The Boeing 747 is undoubtedly a symbol of the jet era. Its service began in the 1960s, marking the start of mass intercontinental travel, and this pioneering widebody jetliner continues to be utilized around the world even today. However, it is only a matter of time before its unique hump and four-engine configuration become a thing of the past.
This shift is largely due to the rise of more efficient alternatives that can transport a similar number of passengers over long distances, just as the 747 has done for decades. The Boeing 777 has significantly contributed to demonstrating the effectiveness of twin-engine jets for long-haul flights. Additionally, the Airbus A350 has introduced a substantial improvement in efficiency, representing a new generation of aircraft that is gradually taking over the market. A key reason for this transition is the operating costs associated with each aircraft.
What Are the Operating Costs of an Aircraft?
Airlines must take into account various categories of costs when evaluating the expenses of operating their aircraft. Direct operating costs include those expenses incurred directly during flight, such as fuel, maintenance, crew salaries, and navigation and airport fees. Conversely, fixed costs encompass items like depreciation, liability insurance, hangar rentals, and management fees, which are not directly linked to the aircraft’s flight hours.
This distinction is crucial because direct operating costs can fluctuate significantly based on timing and the specific usage of an aircraft. For instance, fuel is often one of the largest expenditures for operators, meaning that changes in oil prices can lead to substantial cost variations. Likewise, maintenance expenses depend on the airline, the type of aircraft, its age, and how frequently it is used, resulting in differing repair and routine maintenance costs across various airlines and aircraft.
To provide a clearer picture of the financial aspects of operating different aircraft, direct operating costs can serve as a basis for comparison. Fuel costs are particularly important, as the expenses associated with the 747, 777, and A350 can vary significantly between these models.
The Boeing 777 and Long-Distance Twin-Engine Travel
While Boeing’s 777 did not originate the concept of twin-engine widebody aircraft, it entered service in 1995 following models like the Airbus A300 and Boeing 767. What the 777 accomplished was to demonstrate that a twin-engine jet could be comparable in size and capacity to large four-engine aircraft like the 747. This was crucial in proving that airlines could have a more cost-effective option for servicing the longest and most heavily trafficked routes without relying on larger four-engine planes.
The Boeing 777-300ER, the most recent passenger variant from this family, provides valuable insights. It first flew commercially in 2004, with production concluding in 2024 as Boeing prepared to launch the larger and more efficient 777X. Nevertheless, hundreds of 777-300ERs are still operational today, typically accommodating between 350 and 425 passengers in a two-class layout for distances up to 7,500 nautical miles (13,890 km), according to the US manufacturer.
Selected specifications and estimated fuel costs for the Boeing 777-300ER:
- *Based on the jet fuel price of $4.415 per US gallon in late September 2026
Regarding fuel consumption, the 777-300ER uses about 2,833 gallons (10,722 liters) of fuel per hour at an economical cruising speed, as reported by the aviation data site Aircraft Investigation Info. Based on the International Air Transport Association (IATA) tracked jet fuel price at the time of writing in late September ($4.415 per US gallon), this translates to approximately $12,500 per hour solely for fuel. Although this is an improvement over earlier models, it has been significantly surpassed by the latest generation of aircraft currently in operation.
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