The Boeing 747-400 is a four-engine wide-body aircraft easily recognised by its upper deck. Depending on the version and cabin layout, it accommodates around 400 to 500 passengers in two or three classes. Its range reaches nearly 13,000 km nonstop. Boeing designed the aircraft for major intercontinental routes.
For charter flights, passenger 747-400s have become rare, as few aircraft remain in operation. We consider them for very large groups travelling long-haul when an aircraft is available on the required dates. At Artheau Aviation, we check the actual cabin configuration and compare the available alternatives.
Passengers
400 to 500
In two or three classes, depending on the version.
Range
≈ 13,000 km
With approximately 400 passengers and their baggage.
Cruise speed
Mach 0.85
Reference cruise speed.
Baggage hold
181 m³
Containers and bulk-loading areas on the lower deck.
There is no fixed price for chartering a 747-400. Each flight is priced according to the aircraft actually available. Positioning often represents a significant part of the budget, as the few remaining aircraft may be located far from your departure airport.
Other costs include flight time, fuel consumption from four engines and the various airport charges. Wide-body ground handling and potential crew accommodation must also be taken into account.
The flight schedule also affects the budget. A return charter with the aircraft remaining at the destination does not cost the same as two one-way flights with the aircraft returning to base between them.
To obtain a price, request a quote. We contact operators that still operate the 747-400 and compare availability with an A380, A350 or A340 on the same dates.
The 747-400 meets a specific requirement: transporting a very large group over a long distance on a single aircraft. Several features make it suitable for this type of charter.
Its capacity avoids splitting passengers between two aircraft. The entire group can share the same schedule, boarding process and arrival (why charter an airliner).
The upper deck forms a distinct cabin, often configured as business class. It can accommodate a delegation, staff or invited guests in a separate area.
The 747-400 was designed for intercontinental routes and can connect Europe with distant destinations nonstop. Actual feasibility depends on payload and flight conditions.
Its containerised holds can accommodate baggage for several hundred passengers and bulky equipment. Actual capacity remains subject to the maximum permitted weight for each flight.
Its main limitation is availability. Passenger 747-400s are now rare on the charter market, while their four engines consume more fuel than modern twin-engine aircraft. If no aircraft is available or another aircraft better suits the project, we propose an appropriate alternative.
With around 400 passengers and their baggage, a 747-400 can fly nearly 13,000 km nonstop. This estimate is based on performance charts published by Boeing. The 747-400ER, with a higher maximum take-off weight, can fly further.
Actual range depends on payload, winds, temperature and regulatory fuel reserves. Airport characteristics can also affect the operation. Each route is therefore validated by the operator before confirmation.
Routes such as Paris–Johannesburg, approximately 8,700 km, or Paris–São Paulo, around 9,400 km, remain within its range. Paris–Santiago de Chile, approximately 11,700 km, must be assessed according to payload. Paris–Sydney, around 16,900 km, requires a stop.
The 747-400 was produced in several versions, all sharing a length of 70.67 metres. The -400ER carries more fuel, while the Combi combines passengers and cargo on the main deck. The Domestic version, without winglets, was designed for short, high-density domestic routes.
Three engine options are available: General Electric CF6-80C2, Pratt & Whitney PW4000 and Rolls-Royce RB211-524.
| Version | Passengers (Boeing reference cabin) | Maximum take-off weight | Wingspan | Main feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 747-400 | 400 (3 classes) | 362.9 to 396.9 t | 64.44 m | Standard version, winglets |
| 747-400ER | 416 (3 classes) to 500 (2 classes) | 412.8 t | 64.44 m | Optional forward hold fuel tanks, greater range |
| 747-400 Combi | 345 + 7 pallets | 362.9 to 396.9 t | 64.44 m | Side cargo door, passengers and freight |
| 747-400 Domestic | 628 (high density) | 272.2 to 276.7 t | 59.63 m | Short-haul, without winglets |
Source: Boeing, 747-400 Airplane Characteristics for Airport Planning (Rev. F, 2024). The cargo version is covered on our Boeing 747 Freighter page.
In Boeing's reference cabin, the 747-400 has 400 seats across three classes. Of these, 42 business-class seats are located on the upper deck. The -400ER accommodates 416 passengers in three classes and up to 500 in two classes. In a high-density layout, the Domestic version exceeded 600 seats.
For charter flights, the configuration of the aircraft actually available is what matters. Many 747-400s have been reconfigured during their operational lives. We therefore provide the exact number of seats and their distribution by class before confirmation.
The lower-deck hold provides approximately 157 m³ of containerised space and 24 m³ for bulk loading. This allows the aircraft to carry baggage for a large group as well as bulky equipment.
On long-haul flights, available weight can become more restrictive than baggage volume. We therefore confirm the baggage allowance with the operator for each charter.
The remaining 747-400s may feature two or three cabin classes, an all-economy configuration or a specific interior layout. The upper deck, accessed by stairs, generally accommodates premium seating.
When chartering a 747-400, you are therefore booking a specific aircraft with its own cabin configuration. We provide the cabin plan before confirmation so you can organise your group accordingly.
| Charter mission | 747-400 suitability | Our analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Group of more than 400 passengers on a long-haul flight | To be assessed | Suitable when an aircraft is available on the required dates. Otherwise, we compare it with an A380 or two smaller aircraft. |
| Pilgrimage, air bridge or large-scale repatriation | To be assessed | Several rotations are possible. Aircraft availability and airport compatibility must be confirmed before the charter. |
| Sports team with supporters and equipment | Suitable | The upper deck can accommodate staff separately. The hold can carry equipment within the permitted weight limits (sports charter). |
| Large international seminar or incentive trip | To be assessed | This solution can work when the available cabin provides the level of service expected by the group (our group charter missions). |
| Group of 250 to 350 passengers | Generally oversized | An A350 or A340 can reduce the overall charter cost. |
| Short or medium-haul flight | Limited suitability | An A321 or Boeing 737 is generally more economical for this type of route. |
| Cargo-only operation | Not suitable | A Boeing 747 Freighter or Antonov AN-124 is designed for this type of cargo charter. |
We consider the 747-400 when a group exceeds the capacity of an A350 and must travel on a single aircraft. It is also an option when an A380 is unavailable. We first check whether a passenger 747-400 can operate on the required dates.
We check the proposed aircraft, its operator, certifications and cabin configuration. We also confirm the number of seats in each class and the available baggage capacity, both by volume and weight.
A 747-400 requires a wide-body parking stand, suitable boarding bridges and ground handling services capable of managing the operation. Aircraft positioning, which can involve a significant distance, is also included in our assessment.
For a larger group, we consider the A380. For up to approximately 350 passengers, an A350 or A340 may be more suitable and easier to source.
When dates or availability require it, we can also propose two smaller aircraft. For cargo operations, we consider the Boeing 747 Freighter instead.
Provide your dates, airports, passenger numbers and estimated baggage volume. This information allows us to determine whether a 747-400 suits your charter or whether another aircraft would be more appropriate.
We search for 747-400s that are actually available and check the operator, cabin and airports involved. We then present the available options, including suitable alternatives.
Once the charter is confirmed, we coordinate each stage of the operation with the operator and airports until your group's return.
We do more than find an available aircraft. From your first request to landing, our teams coordinate every stage of your charter.
Your dedicated broker remains your main point of contact throughout your journey, from the initial request to your arrival.
We compare aircraft and certified operators to recommend the solution best suited to your itinerary, requirements and budget.
Once your flight is confirmed, our Flight Preparation team coordinates the operational details required for a smooth journey.
The team oversees flight logistics, ground handling, catering, passenger requirements and other arrangements before departure.
Every flight is operated by a certified aircraft operator holding the licences and approvals required for the mission.
We review operators, aircraft and operational requirements to check that each proposed solution meets our safety and compliance standards.
Yes, but availability is limited because few passenger 747-400s remain in operation. We check aircraft availability for your dates and present alternatives such as the A380, A350 or A340 at the same time.
There is no fixed price. The cost mainly depends on aircraft positioning, flight duration and airport charges. Ground handling and potential crew accommodation also affect the budget. We prepare a quote after consulting the operators.
A 747-400 carries approximately 400 to 500 passengers, depending on the version and cabin configuration. The exact capacity depends on the aircraft available. We provide its cabin plan and seating distribution by class before confirmation.
Often yes, with a range of nearly 13,000 km. Paris–São Paulo or Paris–Tokyo, for example, remain within its operating range. On longer routes or with a heavier payload, the operator may require a technical stop.
The A380 offers more seats, while the 747-400 remains an option for groups of around 400 to 500 passengers. Both aircraft are rare on the charter market. We therefore compare the aircraft actually available on your dates.
Yes, subject to aircraft availability. The upper deck can accommodate the team and staff, while supporters use the main deck. We also confirm the capacity required for sports equipment with the operator.
Booking early is recommended because few passenger 747-400s remain available for charter. Several weeks' notice can provide more options. For urgent requests, we search for the most suitable available aircraft, whether a 747-400 or an alternative.
From private jet charters to commercial group flights and dedicated cargo operations, we deliver tailored air solutions for every mission, anywhere in the world.
