Why Bigger Aircraft Are Sometimes Less Efficient

Aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747 are true icons in the aviation industry. However, despite their legacy, production of both jets has been discontinued for some years now. A key reason for this is that large aircraft have fallen out of favor with airlines. And while large aircraft are not inherently inefficient, they for sure do require specific conditions to succeed. When used correctly, they can deliver excellent efficiency, particularly on dense, high-demand routes. However, when demand is inconsistent, routes are not sufficiently large, or operational flexibility is required, these same aircraft can quickly become uneconomical to…