Large Planes Face-Off : Boeing 747-8 VS Airbus A-380

"Margin Of Error" (marginoferror) 05/19/2015 at 11:35 • Filed to: PLANELOPNIK

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For those in the market for a large passenger aircraft, there’s only two options, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy decision. The comparative review below will hopefully help potential customers making the right decision.

History :

The 747 has been an icon of commercial aviation since its introduction in 1969, but the current 747-8 has very little in common with the 100 to 400 series. The 8 was announced in 2005 as an answer to Airbus’ new jumbo, the 850 seater A-380. The 747-8 features new wings, more efficient ultra-bypass motors and composite body panels. The first flight of the 747-8i (the passenger version) occurred on June 1st 2012, wearing as sweet Lufthansa livery.

The Airbus A-380 has been in gestation for a while, the idea of a 747 competitor first came in 1988, but was put on hold until 1994, but it’s only in 2000 that the €8.8-billion programme was officially launched. The commercial flight occurred in October 25th 2007 wearing a sweet Singapore Airlines livery.

Exterior :

The Boeing easily takes the cakes. The 747 is basically the Porsche 911 of the sky due to its iconic shape and its perfect proportions, while the Airbus looks like a chubby version of the old A-300. It’s short large and tall.

Boeing : 9.5/10 Airbus : 6/10

Interior :

In terms of interior, Boeing went with a longer single story approach with a lounge at the top, while Airbus went with a with a more compact 2 stories layout. Right now, the Airbus layout is proving more versatile and airlines operating it have been doing some crazy shit like 3 rooms suites with shower and whatnot called “the Residence”

Boeing : 6/10 Airbus : 9.5/10

Cockpit :

Clear advantage for Boeing here. Engineers have been making a real effort to reduce distractions caused by electronic devices and only installed 7 LCD screens. The drivers also have proper “force feedback” steering wheels that shakes when things go wrong. Also, plenty of manual switches that are easy to operate while keeping eyes on the road. Another nice perk of the Boeing are the nice lambswool seat covers.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

In the Airbus, however, drivers must deal a combo of Joystick/Keyboard made by Logitech and no less than a dozen LCD screens. Seats are upholstered in what seems to be striped pillowcases. On the bright side, both drivers have 2 cup holders each.

Boeing : 9.5/10 Airbus : 6/10

Value :

Unit cost for the Boeing is $357,000,000.00 while the Airbus costs slightly more at $428,000,000.00. Both planes are equivalent in terms of range and efficiency, but the Airbus can carry more passengers and is more flexible in terms of interior configuration.

Since Airbus is offering greater incentives at this moment, it’s a win for Airbus.

Boeing : 6/10 Airbus : 9.5/10

Conclusion :

Both planes have their pros and cons, and the end result really reflect that.

Boeing : 31/40 Airbus : 31/40

TheHondaBro > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 11:38

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If it’s not a Boeing, I’m not going.

Margin Of Error > TheHondaBro 05/19/2015 at 11:39

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That seems very reasonable.

Leon711 > TheHondaBro 05/19/2015 at 11:41

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if it is a Boeing, I ain’t going?

Alex B > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 11:46

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Boeing for me, but I would like to fly on the Airbus at least once. Is the A350 flying yet?

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Alex B 05/19/2015 at 11:49

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Not comercially. I think it’s flown for testing though.

Margin Of Error > Alex B 05/19/2015 at 11:50

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Yes, since Jan 2015, only with Qatar for now.

KylesPerGallon > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 11:50

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Love articles like this, slowly turning myself into a planeaholic

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 11:51

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Buying is one thing. However, as a passenger, this is the one I care about.

Margin Of Error > KylesPerGallon 05/19/2015 at 11:51

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Thanks !

TheHondaBro > Leon711 05/19/2015 at 11:57

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You funny man.

TheHondaBro > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 11:58

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Also, imagine how long it would take to board an A380. In that respect, the Boeing wins.

ttyymmnn > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 11:58

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Nice write up. I understand that both planes have their strengths and weaknesses, but I’m just a Boeing guy through and through. And while this has nothing to do with how well they function, I just think Boeing just makes prettier airplanes. I’ve only flown on an Airbus a couple of times, most recently about a month ago. I thought it felt cheap and rickety, and for whatever reason, I got airsick on both flights, which I rarely ever do. Perhaps it was psychosomatic. On that same trip, though, we flew on a 737-900 that was about two months old. It still had that new-plane smell, and was absolutely beautiful inside.

Leon711 > TheHondaBro 05/19/2015 at 12:00

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Man, I ain’t care who makes it, as long as it’s safe.

ttyymmnn > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 12:01

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This right here. This is why I trust Boeing more than Airbus. I want my pilots to feel like they are driving a really fancy bus, not pointing an airplane somewhere in the sky. And I like the fact that what one pilot does is mirrored to the other pilot. With the Airbus side stick, the pilots can’t tell what each other is doing. It’s not a one-man fighter, it’s a team effort. At least until computers take over the whole shebang.

Alex B > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 12:18

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Have you ever flown on one of them?

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 12:44

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Congrats on getting to the FP!

Jcarr > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 12:46

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I’m a Boeing fan, so I prefer the heritage and beauty of the Queen.

That being said, I do think the previous Airbus 4-engine effort (A340) was a real looker, especially in fully-stretched -600 form.

One also has to wonder what could have been if McDonnell Douglas had gotten some interest with the MD-12 .

Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney > ttyymmnn 05/19/2015 at 12:48

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Agreed on Airbus v. Boeing quality. I realize that the interiors vary from carrier to carrier, but I was super excited to fly on an A320 for the first time recently and was completely underwhelmed. It felt similar to a 737 with regards to size and space, but with the squeaks and rattles and smells of an S80.

The Patriarchy > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 12:50

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Maybe it’s just because you couldn’t find both of them in the same shot, but in the first photo that’s a Boeing 747-400, not 747-8.

For Sweden > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 05/19/2015 at 12:52

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squeaks and rattles and smells of an S80.

_

55_mercury > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 12:53

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Sad thing is I’ve never flown on either. The 747 has been around forever. I’ve only seen one up close once. They’re enormous! I can imagine the A380 is even more spectacular in that regard

Hifrequency > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 12:54

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I know aircraft are crazy expensive & from those numbers the Airbus is $71 million more, how good can the incentives be?

Maybe there is a percentage saved on fuel?

ttyymmnn > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 05/19/2015 at 12:54

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Squeaks, rattles, smells, all that. Now, it’s not fair to compare a 10-year-0ld A320 with a factory-fresh 739, but I flew my first Airbus 20 years ago in Europe and it was the same experience. I was looking forward to the flight, but was thoroughly underwhelmed by the experience.

TacMedic > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/19/2015 at 12:55

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Think again, my friend. Airbus is pushing the 3-5-3 config, and that’s the stuff of nightmares.

DoctorNine > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 12:57

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Team 747 here. I freaking love those things.

NotRustyShackleford > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:00

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I looove composit Cody panels!

Doug Nash > TheHondaBro 05/19/2015 at 13:01

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777 is the ONLY thing we fly back and forth to Asia

NotRustyShackleford > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:04

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Boeing has those lamb’s wool seats with the middle cut out...for equipment.

Joshua > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:07

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I understand that the 747-8i is more efficient than the A380 in that it can fly its full capacity the same distance as the A380, in addition to ferrying those same passengers on 8 737’s to nearby airports for the same cost as the A380 flying only the same leg of the 747. I may have gotten some of the facts wrong, but I think i read it on Randy’s blog (boeing marketing blog that’s pretty popular among aviation geeks).

vaulter1 > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:09

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Interior 6/10 you say? Give the old man some credit for going over the top when Airbus was just being born. Piano bar on a plane. Let me repeat that - Piano bar on a plane!

jedre > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:09

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Airbus seems to be involved in a higher accident/incident rate. Many of the newsworthy incidents over the past 5-6 years are Airbus, no?

Maxxuman > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:11

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The thing that impressed me about the A-380 was how much quieter it was. That alone would be enough to make me choose a well fitted A-380 for a long haul flight. I used to have a job where I was constantly flying and to me the constant dull noise gets very tiring (and noise canceling headphones suck if you want to turn your head while trying to sleep).

chucchinchilla > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:11

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Since Airbus is offering greater incentives at this moment, it’s a win for Airbus.

The A380 costs $71 million more than the Boeing (pre Boeing incentives) so that’s gotta be one hell of an incentive to call it a win for Airbus.

marimvibe, new packaging, same great taste > TheHondaBro 05/19/2015 at 13:12

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Unless you’re at one of the A380 gates with multiple jetways. Some airports like Sydney have some triple jetway gates, one of the bridges going to the upper deck.

LP700-4 > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:14

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You TOTALLY forgot the category, “Mile High Club”. The Boeing bathrooms are slightly larger and have hand holds. The coach bathroom in the A380, while functional, was an after thought for this behavior.

Boeing 69/10 Airbus 10/10

Scores

Margin Of Error > Alex B 05/19/2015 at 13:15

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I have yet to fly on a plane.

:-(

Corinthian Leatherface > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:16

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Or, a more recent option would be a used A380. Malaysia is selling theirs.

blackjack666 > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:16

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As someone who has flown both as a passenger, the A380 is the better choice for biz and first due to the lounge areas on the upper deck. However, the 747 has more space in economy and a much higher ceiling in the back, making it feel much more spacious where the A380 feels rather cramped.

Margin Of Error > Jcarr 05/19/2015 at 13:17

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Agreed, the 340-600 is a beautiful plane. Sadly out of production and replaced with a boring twinjet.

Margin Of Error > Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car 05/19/2015 at 13:17

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Thank you !

TheHondaBro > DoctorNine 05/19/2015 at 13:17

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747 Master Race.

Margin Of Error > Joshua 05/19/2015 at 13:18

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*Boeing marketing blog

Wave Motion Gun > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:18

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Parking is a real bitch with the 380, though. Both shots here are same camera/day/location (screen caps from iPhone video). The 380 is a bigass plane.

Margin Of Error > 55_mercury 05/19/2015 at 13:19

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The 380 is shorter and the flight deck is lower, I’m sure the 74 is more impressive at the gate.

Margin Of Error > LP700-4 05/19/2015 at 13:20

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haha excellent point !

dronesandgroans > Jcarr 05/19/2015 at 13:21

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I’ve always thought the A340-600 looked like a Photoshopped A340-300

Buckus > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:21

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Yes, but how does it compare to, say, a Space Shuttle, which I can also afford?

Margin Of Error > The Patriarchy 05/19/2015 at 13:21

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I had no time to Photoshop today, so I took a pic from bing images, and that’s all I got.

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:23

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Fun fact - the cockpit of the 747 is about as wide as the much smaller 737 due to the tapering of the upper fuselage. For such a large aircraft, it’s pretty tight in there.

ToastedTires > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:24

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Bing! I found your problem.

dronesandgroans > chucchinchilla 05/19/2015 at 13:24

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The listed prices are very deceptive though - absolutely no one pays the listed price, most pay half. Both Boeing and Airbus are pricing these planes to sell, but both are failing. The 747-8 production line will probably be shut down after the new Air Force Ones are built, and Airbus will soon give up the pretense that they’re ever going to sell another A380.

Margin Of Error > jedre 05/19/2015 at 13:25

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Not really, what about those 3 777’s accident in 2014, the MD-80 from air algerie and a few 737 pond hoppers in Indonesia

Margin Of Error > NotRustyShackleford 05/19/2015 at 13:25

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Thanks, will redact

BillGK > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:25

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“It’s short large and tall.” You are joking serious?

primalzer > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 05/19/2015 at 13:26

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squeaks and rattles and smells of an S80

Margin Of Error > BillGK 05/19/2015 at 13:27

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the 380, not the 747

Margin Of Error > ToastedTires 05/19/2015 at 13:27

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I’m a Bing guy.

Margin Of Error > Buckus 05/19/2015 at 13:28

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Space shuttle is no longer in production, and I doubt you can buy one on the used market.

Mike N. > chucchinchilla 05/19/2015 at 13:28

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Nobody pays sticker for one of these.

Neither plane is selling well, and both manufacturers are offering incentives. The A380 has a 317 frame order book, of which 159 have been delivered. Boeing has 122 ordered (both freighter and passenger versions), of which 87 have been delivered.

The A380 is a more urgent proposition, considering the much larger development costs vs. the more mature 747, so Airbus is more keen to discount than Boeing. Another concern with A380 is that a significant number of undelivered airframes are with one airline, Emirates (90 out of 158).

Jcarr > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:29

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You and your twinjet hate :)

Joshua > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:29

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MArketing in airlines isn’t like other industries. They report accurate numbers that accurately describe what they are saying. You just have to be aware of what they are reporting and how it compares to the competition. In this instance. the A380 will move more people from point A to point B than the 747. So many more in fact that the cost per passenger is lower than the 747. That being said, the A380 still costs a large amount of money to move those passengers, so much so, that if you paid that much money using a 747 at capacity there would be enough left over to operate 8 737’s to local airports around the hub airport.

Boeing and Airbus marketing is where enthusiasts get their information. It’s reputable and unique to the industry so when you get information that is from boeing or airbus, sure, take it with a grain of salt, but dont write it off. There is no consumer reports of the airline world!

Trashdog > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:30

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With Airbus pushing for an 11 seat per row configuration in economy class, I'll take the 747

Buckus > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:30

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Not with that attitude!

Jcarr > dronesandgroans 05/19/2015 at 13:30

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Well, in general terms, it was.

Margin Of Error > Trashdog 05/19/2015 at 13:31

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OMG that’s awful

Calli Arcale > DoctorNine 05/19/2015 at 13:33

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YES! A380 is quite impressive (I pretty much like any gargantuan aircraft), but the 747 is still the most beautiful. And for versatility, well, 747 was designed with freight in mind; that upper deck lounge was not designed as a pleasure deck for first class passengers but to give the flight crew of a long-haul freighter a bit more room than just the flight deck; the entire lower deck would then be given over to freight. A380 has a freight variant, of course, but that was not the priority, and consequently the order sthey did get for it ended up cancelled and that was the end of the freight variant. 747 was built with freight in mind from day one. Its iconic hump is actually part of that; the option of a first class lounge was an afterthought. The hump allows the cockpit to be elevated above the main deck, allowing the entire deck to be used for cargo — and even permitting installation of a nose door without any complicated linkages.

And it is so overdesigned! That wing is magnificent. When NASA decided to dump a 100 ton external payload on top, they were pleased to discover that the 747-200’s stock wings required no modfications whatsoever. (I’m talking of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, of course.) They were already sufficient for the job. If you want to talk real versatility, it’s hard to beat what’s been done with 747.

ttyymmnn > jedre 05/19/2015 at 13:33

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It seems that way, but I don’t think they have necessarily been the fault of Airbus. In the two more recent crashes that come to mind, the AirAsia crash was likely caused by the pilot flying through a thunderstorm on a route they weren’t approved to fly, and Germanwings has almost definitively been blamed on pilot suicide. In fact, a quick Google of significant incidents involving Airbus shows that the majority of them are either pilot error or weather related. As much of a fan of Boeing as I am, I still feel perfectly safe flying on an Airbus. Both Boeing and Airbus require competent pilots.

Trashdog > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:37

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Those 777 weren't due to mechanical errors but we're human errors. And correct me if I'm wrong but I saw somewhere that those were the first major 777 accidents.

Timtoolman > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:38

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Knowing little about big planes, I have to go by what my (objectively-speaking) engineer brother, who coincidentally works for Boeing, says. He derides a lot of what Airbus does, insisting Boeing is a safer aircraft. Technicalities aside, I don’t even claim to remember, much less understand what he refers to.

But it’s also hard to argue about value, when Airbus is reportedly being propped-up by the French. Around 28% of the parent is owned by France, Spain and Germany. When you have almost limitless pockets, there’s no chance of running out of cash for “research and development”.

I’d say akin to the Eastern Bloc during WWII.

Ash78, voting early and often > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:40

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Between the ESL and the seemingly contrived final score, I really did get a kick out of this (absolutely no offense intended on the ESL thing, it just adds a layer of nuanced humor). This is like really good, thin satire.

I’ll take the Boeing.

Phlegminglib > TacMedic 05/19/2015 at 13:42

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That’s because the majority of us Yanks are walking lards and won’t do jack shit to change our habits. I often fly with other people’s excess fat tissues invading my seat through any and all open orfices the seats offer. Granted I’m no Tinker Bell, but on a recent flight the SWA crew actually asked some people to move because they were weighing down the front of the plane.

Simon L > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:42

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I vote A380! I loved that thing (I flew Emirates). I had a window seat and there was about a foot of space between my seat and the wall to store all my stuff. Heaps of legroom, and headroom - I could stand up straight! Plus Emirates has a station in the middle of the plane with water, granola bars, bananas and other fresh fruit, etc. It made my 14-hour flight (Dubai to Melbourne) pretty enjoyable.

I think the real question here is not which plane, but which airline (and therefore which fitout). Sorry folks but US airlines (all of them, except maybe Virgin America) are the worst in the world. Fuck you, United and Delta.

shitheelandtoe > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:42

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Are you a pilot? A relative is a pilot and he's flown both Boeing and Airbus. I asked him about the yoke vs sidestick thing. He says he's fine with both. Just one data point. If you're a pilot, I'd like to hear your thoughts.

Schnell! > ttyymmnn 05/19/2015 at 13:43

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Can’t agree more. Rode second deck on a 747-400 BKK to NRT last year and I couldn’t get over how SOLID it felt on takeoff and landing. Contrast that to the A330 NRT to MSP and I felt like sh*t was going to fall off it on takeoff!

Margin Of Error > Trashdog 05/19/2015 at 13:46

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The Germanwing Airbus either.

In fact, most commercial airliners accidents are due to human error.

MikeofLA > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:46

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This doesn’t seem very efficient or safe if you’re a left handed copilot or a right handed captain.

Jeff Glucker > TheHondaBro 05/19/2015 at 13:50

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With the multiple jetways it doesn’t feel any longer, as mentioned below.

Just got back from a trip where I took an A380 on the way out... lovely experience all around. Still, the 747 is THE plane to hitch a ride on.

KentB27 > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 05/19/2015 at 13:51

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What are you talking about?! I love the way Volvos smell. The squeaks and rattles though.....yeahhhhh I’m not sure if I can argue with you on that one. My 2004 V70 creaks about as much as a 100 year old house. Man do I love that car though.

Jeff Glucker > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:51

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Just returned from a trip to Europe, and took an A380 over there. Such a comfortable and quiet experience.

I did get to fly on a 747 two years ago though, and that was far more memorable.

Margin Of Error > chucchinchilla 05/19/2015 at 13:52

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“ Word is the plane is being discounted by 50% off list. While aircraft manufactures don’t really sell for list, that’s still a significant discount and early buyers generally get ‘most favored nation’ status where future discounted sales entail rebates to early buyers who may have paid more.”

KentB27 > Jcarr 05/19/2015 at 13:53

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Twinjets BLOW.....aesthetically speaking. Trijets and quads are where it’s at! Alas their days are sadly over for the most part.

Serious Gord > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 13:53

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A tie = cop out.

Jcarr > KentB27 05/19/2015 at 13:59

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Disagree. I love tris and quads, but I think there are some truly gorgeous twins out there as well. Case in point:

DoctorNine > Calli Arcale 05/19/2015 at 14:00

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Yeah, it’s the most elegant design. It came about during an era when everybody was looking at the aerodynamics of a wasp waist at the wing, and ended up being the only modern large production volume airframe to retain it.

Catchy Display Name > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 14:01

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I’m dying to fly on those Boeings. I love air travel and have flown on most everything the last 30 years have had to offer. Something about these whales excites me. Can’t quite pinpoint why.

Harlard > For Sweden 05/19/2015 at 14:02

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740 woulda been much more accurate.

Cé hé sin > Bob Loblaw Made Me Make a Phoney Phone Call to Edward Rooney 05/19/2015 at 14:02

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Odd. The only planes I fly on are Ryanair 737s and Aer Lingus A320s and I can’t distinguish one from another. They’re planes. You go in, you squeeze yourself in, you get a cup of instant coffee and a sandwich, you get off again. Completely interchangeable in every respect.

Cé hé sin > jedre 05/19/2015 at 14:03

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Nope.

PsychoCemia > NotRustyShackleford 05/19/2015 at 14:03

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It’s actually for yoke clearance, so it does the opposite: it brings the control column closer to your “equipment”.

JimSlade > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 14:03

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This is timely and great...

I just sat and watched both of these planes for hours at the airport yesterday. I was amazed when both took to the sky, but the 747...so elegant.

You’re looking at an ICON when you look at the 747...it’s from an era when the original variant was designed by hand, with Mad Men looking guys, who sat and smoked. It’s a throwback to another place, another time, yet it remains flying (in and updated form) to this day.

The Airbus is a tool, designed to do a job, and while it’s newer and configurated better for the 21st century.

If it’s not Boeing, I’m not going...my pick is the 747 every day of the week.

Great piece!

JimSlade > ttyymmnn 05/19/2015 at 14:05

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I was on the first flight of a new 737...it was like taking out a new car on the car lot...everything was fresh...new plane smell and all. It set the bar pretty high!

Rü$ > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 05/19/2015 at 14:05

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Yeah I’d tend* to agree...not sitting next to the couple with crying kids drooling on your shoulder. However that seat would probably pay for two entire rows of regular seats on the boeing.

AbsurdBuffalo > TheHondaBro 05/19/2015 at 14:05

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Conversely, if it’s a Boeing, It’s not going... Lol

Nah, I like boeing. I like the 747 better. The A380 is too Audi/BMW-y. It was designed on a computer by a committee. The 747 was designed before computers existed for such things. And thus, was modeled by hand.

PsychoCemia > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 14:06

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These are called “control columns” or “yokes,” not steering wheels. And the force feedback is called the “stick shaker,” which activates as part of the stall warning system.

Cé hé sin > blackjack666 05/19/2015 at 14:06

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That’s down to the airline and their chosen configuration though isn’t it?

LyleLanley > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 14:07

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Side stick garbage

The Old Man from Scene 24 > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 14:07

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According to some reports, profit from the sales of the A380 will never recoup the development cost. Advantage: Boeing.

TheHondaBro > AbsurdBuffalo 05/19/2015 at 14:08

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The 747 was built for a purpose, the A380 was built to be bigger than the 747.

All hail The Queen.

Maxxuman > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 14:11

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Really? You’re writing about planes and you’ve never flown on one? That’s surprising. Hope you get the chance soon.

PsychoCemia > Margin Of Error 05/19/2015 at 14:12

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Where do you count 7 LCD screens? There are 12 in this photo.

2x EFBs (Electronic flight bags, far left and right)

2x Pilot DUs (Outboard ADI, and inboard Nav display)

2x ditto for First officer

2x EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew-Alerting Sytem, Upper and Lower)

3x MCDU/FMS (one on each side of the lower EICAS and one on the pedestal)

1x Standby ADI (left of upper EICAS)

And there is not a concerted effort by Boeing engineers to reduce LCD screens. They’ve been ADDING displays since the 80s (replacing analog dials with CRT monitors).