Twin-engine longhaulers
So, those are some of the ultralonghaul challenges for humans. As for the machines -- they have their own hurdles.
Obviously over vast oceans it's critically important for airliner engines to be reliable and powerful. But hey, it's a business, so the engines also have to be efficient enough to keep airline fuel costs low.Decades ago, that meant ultralonghaulers were likely four-engine planes, like the 747. In the unlikely event that an engine failed, the other three engines could power the plane the rest of the trip, no problem.The downside: Four engines guzzle a lot of fuel.
"Now, engines are way more reliable," says travel expert and former airline manager Brett Snyder of CrankyFlier.com. They're also more powerful and fuel-saving.