It might seem that densely-configured widebody planes, like the Airbus A330 operated by Cebu Pacific, are a recent development. Historically, single-class seating configurations were typically found on narrow-body planes such as the A320 and Boeing 737 when low-cost carriers emerged. However, some airlines began configuring their widebody aircraft with high-density, all-economy layouts. In reality, this concept is not new; the Boeing 747SR, a high-density, short-range variant of the 747, paved the way for such configurations.
The Boeing 747SR was developed in response to specific needs from Japanese airlines. Boeing designed the aircraft to handle short-haul, high-density domestic routes in Japan. Modifications to the standard 747-100 allowed the 747SR to accommodate the added stress from frequent takeoffs and landings. While it featured a lower fuel capacity, it could carry up to 498 passengers in its initial configuration, with later models able to seat over 550 passengers through adjustments in the seating layout to add more economy-class seats.
Structural changes made to the 747SR included reinforced wings, fuselage, and landing gear. These upgrades enabled the aircraft to meet the demands of shorter flights while maintaining safety and efficiency. The first 747-100SR entered service with Japan Airlines (then Japan Air Lines) on October 7, 1973, quickly becoming an essential part of domestic air travel in Japan, where the demand for high-capacity planes on short routes was strong. Boeing later introduced short-range versions of the 747-100B and 747-300, which retained the same concept with enhancements.
Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways were the primary operators of the 747SR. JAL configured some of its 747-100B/SR aircraft with a stretched upper deck (SUD) to increase passenger capacity to 563 seats. These planes primarily served domestic routes and select regional flights within Asia. JAL also experimented with the concept on the 747-300, acquiring four 747-300SR aircraft between December 1987 and February 1988 for leisure routes across Japan and to nearby countries. JALways, a subsidiary of JAL, also operated the -300SR for leisure travel.
All Nippon Airways used its fleet of 747SR aircraft for domestic flights with configurations ranging from 455 to 456 seats. ANA retired its last 747SR on March 10, 2006, following decades of reliable service. JAL also retired its 747-100B/SR/SUD models later that year, marking the end of an era for high-capacity domestic travel with these aircraft. Despite their retirement, the 747SR series showcased the adaptability of the 747 design to meet specific market needs.
Power and Performance
The Boeing 747SR was powered by four engines, with two options: Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7A engines rated at 205.3 kN each, or General Electric CF6-45A2 engines rated at 202.8 kN each. The aircraft had a maximum takeoff weight of 272,100 kg, with a maximum landing weight of 255,800 kg. Its empty weight was 164,510 kg, with a maximum zero-fuel weight of 219,950 kg and a payload capacity of 57,060 kg. These specifications supported the aircraft’s role as a high-capacity, short-range workhorse.
So, why did the Boeing 747SR not last long and was operated by only two Japanese airlines? The plane was specifically designed to meet the needs of Japan Airlines and ANA, allowing them to transport a large number of passengers over short distances instead of relying on multiple frequencies with narrow-body aircraft. However, in the 1990s, newer twin-engine planes, such as the Airbus A300, proved to be more efficient and versatile. Additionally, trijet models like the DC-10 and Lockheed L1011 Tristar became more economical options for airlines.
The Boeing 747SR was also the aircraft involved in the tragic Japan Airlines Flight 123 crash, which resulted in the loss of 520 passengers and crew, marking it as the worst single-aircraft crash in aviation history. This tragedy raised questions about how over 500 people could fit in that 747. The answer is that the 747SR was designed to accommodate such a large number of passengers.
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