Why Did Tri-Jet Passenger Planes Not Become Popular?

In the 1970s, 80s, and 90s tri-jet passenger planes were a core part of many commercial airline fleets. Aircraft like the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and MD-11 had their role as high-capacity, long-haul jets for airlines like American Airlines, Swissair, Garuda Indonesia, and more. But while twin-jets, and to a lesser extent quad-jets, have been updated and re-released as newer versions over the last few decades, why are tri-jets no longer in-production? Let’s find out.

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[anthonymorris]

The pilot had to warn his passengers that one of the four engines had failed. He calmed passengers by saying it was perfectly safe on 3 engines but they'd just be a little slower and thus delayed. Then a second engine failed. Same calming message and an announcement of a further delay as two engines were just going to be slower. When the third engine failed a male passenger turned to his wife and shrieked, "crap, if that last engine fails we'll be up here all night".

[Al-hbwo]

ETOPS stands for 'engines turn or passengers swim' lol

[ERPP]

A big problem is that the third engine is totally unique and much harder to access than an under-wing engine. An under-wing engine is totally exposed for maintainance and relatively easy to swap out, either for an engine of the same type or even a drop-in replacement engine. Having an engine incorporated into the tail with ducts is a nightmare for maintainance.

[superchargedpetrolhead]

it still is surprising to me how dassault manages to make their tri jets much more fuel efficient than their competitors twin jets...

[harveysmith]

The L1011 Tristar, the most elegant airliner ever to take to the skies.

[ronaldfish]

The L1011was a big favorite of passengers and delta The most advanced aircraft in that decade

[ahmdjoiya]

Simple Answer: They aren't efficient and increase operational costs

[johnsaxton]

Simple, because the twin engined widebodies were more economical to operate. But for comfort and space, the early DC-10s and L-1011s were Heaven for passengers. So glad I got to experience them

[RaysDad]

I worked on the twin-aisle MD-11 at the McDonnell Douglas plant in Long Beach California. It was a solid aircraft with an old-school cockpit the pilots enjoyed. Passengers couldn't tell if they were riding in a 3 or 4 engine plane unless they looked at the wings. When Boeing merged with (took over) McDonnell Douglas they discontinued the MD-11 even though it still had customers. As airlines retired their MD-11s freight companies bought them for their economy and load-carrying capacity. Super airplane!

[The_Supreme_Noone]

Yes. I love trijets. The most I like the TriStar L-1011

[oveidasinclair]

Unfortunately they are a thing of the past, just like the flight engineer

[HR-wdcw]

One simple thing is that the tri-jet died when companies (like GE) found ways to make more powerful engines but conserve even more fuel. So it's more that jet engines today are way more fuel efficient and can generate the same or more power than jet engines of 20-30 years ago.

[evosagara]

Honestly i love watching dc10s and md11s flying roaming the sky

[tallsobay]

Next to the 747, I believe that the L-1011 was one of the most beautiful aircraft built. And I loved flying on it.

[BogWraith]

The L-1011 is IMO, the greatest passenger airliner ever built!
If it wasn't for the delay of the RB211 development by Rolls Royce, which was and still is an incredible design, the fate of this aircraft would have been much different.
TriStar Forever!

[kashiffcollins]

I loved the MD11. It is a beautiful aircraft and as a pilot myself flying the beauty I feel it was done wrong.

[mikan]

A350: Whatever you do, I can do better
A340: Try this, hotshot.
A350: What?
A340: I just shut down two engines kid

Edit: wow more than a 100 likes for this!

Edit: thanks for 200+ likes!

[_CoffeeClosers]

I still miss the Lockheed Tristar L1011.... I loved flying on that plane.

[tstahler]

The DC-10 was an amazing aircraft to fly on.

[zaydpeer]

Your production quality is excellent. I really enjoy your videos. Informative and to the point. Keep it up.