Lufthanza First Airline To Order
Late last week, Boeing began assembly of the first 747-8
Intercontinental at the factory in Everett, WA. Mechanics took the
first step in major assembly for the new airplane by loading its
wing panels and spars in the assembly tools. The spar is the
internal support structure that runs through the full length of the
wing.
"This milestone symbolizes the dedication, focus and hard work
that our team, suppliers and customers have invested in designing
this wonderful airplane," said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and
general manager of the 747 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
"The 747-8 Intercontinental will provide our customers with
increased levels of passenger comfort, greatly improved fuel
efficiency and reduced emissions and noise."
Deutsche Lufthansa AG was the first airline to order the new,
fuel-efficient passenger airplane, contracting for 20 747-8
Intercontinentals, with purchase rights for an additional 20.
"We are very pleased to see that the production on the 747-8
Intercontinental has begun," said Nico Buchholz, senior vice
president, Corporate Fleet of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. "We are
looking forward to welcoming the aircraft in our fleet as it is a
component of Lufthansa's strategy to modernize its fleet and
increase environmental stewardship. The 747-8 shows our clear
commitment to customer orientation."
The new 747-8 Intercontinental is stretched 18.3 feet from the
747-400 to provide 467 seats -- 51 more than its predecessor -- in
a three-class configuration. GEnx-2B engines and a new wing design
provide airlines a quieter, more fuel-efficient airplane. The 747-8
is 16 percent more fuel efficient and creates a 30 percent smaller
noise footprint than its predecessor. The 747-8 also provides
nearly equivalent trip costs and 13 percent lower seat-mile costs
than the 747-400, plus 26 percent greater cargo volume.
The 747-8 interior incorporates features from the 787
Dreamliner, including a new curved, upswept architecture that gives
passengers a greater sense of space and comfort while adding more
room for personal belongings. The architecture is accentuated by
lighting technology that provides smooth transitions for a more
restful flight.
The 747-8, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinental and the
747-8 Freighter, was launched in November 2005. Boeing has 108
orders for the 747-8 -- 32 for the 747-8 Intercontinental and 76
for the 747-8 Freighter. The first 747-8 Intercontinental is
scheduled to deliver in late 2011.