Boeing 747-400

The advanced jumbo that modernized long-haul travel in the 1990s.

Boeing 747-400 Thai Airways International © Editorial Team

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: B744 1989–2005 Active $266.5 million (2007)

The Boeing 747-400 was a major upgrade of the original 747, introduced to improve efficiency and range. Entering service in 1989, it became a cornerstone of intercontinental travel. The aircraft combined updated avionics with aerodynamic refinements.

Live Fleet Activity (B744)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × P&W4000 / GE CF6 / RR RB211
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 63,300 lbf · 282 kN
Avionics
Honeywell Avionics FMC , Rockwell-Collins CMC
Wing tips
Canted winglets
Seats
416 economy · 524 business · 416 first
Crew
—
Cabin width
20 ft 1 in  ·  6.13 m
Cabin height
8 ft 4 in  ·  2.54 m
Cabin length
187 ft 0 in  ·  57.00 m
Exterior length
231 ft 10 in  ·  70.66 m
Tail height
63 ft 8 in  ·  19.41 m
Fuselage diameter
21 ft 4 in  ·  6.49 m
Wing span
212 ft 11 in  ·  64.90 m
Baggage volume
5,650 ft³  ·  160.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
875,000 lb  ·  397,000 kg
Max landing weight
652,000 lb  ·  295,500 kg
Max payload
157,500 lb  ·  71,500 kg
Fuel capacity
57,300 gal · 216,800 L · 173,500 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
504 kt  ·  580 mph  ·  933 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
146 kt  ·  168 mph  ·  270 km/h
Range
7,285 nm  ·  8,380 mi  ·  13,490 km
Fuel burn
0.13 nm/gal  ·  0.06 km/L
Ceiling
45,000 ft  ·  13,700 m
Rate of climb
1,500 ft/min  ·  8 m/s
Takeoff distance
9,250 ft  ·  2,820 m
Landing distance
6,250 ft  ·  1,910 m
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British Airways Boeing 747-438 on final approach.

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Operational Context

Boeing 747-400 — long-range widebody jetliner

The 747-400 first flew in 1988 and entered airline service in 1989. It introduced winglets, a two-crew glass cockpit, and more efficient engines compared with earlier 747 variants. The aircraft retained the four-engine configuration and distinctive upper deck.

Powered by four high-bypass turbofan engines producing approximately 60,000 pounds of thrust (267 kN) each depending on engine type, the 747-400 cruises at around 490 knots (905 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 875,000 pounds (397,000 kg). Passenger capacity typically ranges from 350 to over 450.

The 747-400 became one of the most successful jumbo jet variants. It operated with airlines across the globe for decades. Many aircraft continue in cargo service following passenger retirement.