Fri, Mar 07, 2008
Scheduled To Enter Service In Late 2009
Boeing announced Thursday it completed 50 percent of the design
releases for the new 747-8 Freighter. The program has released the
747-8 Freighter's detailed designs to Boeing factories and its
suppliers in order to begin building parts, assemblies and tools
for the new cargo airplane.
"This design milestone is a tribute to efforts of the 747-8
team, our customers and suppliers," said Ross R. Bogue, vice
president and general manager, 747 program and Everett site. "We
are now focused on completing the remaining design work and
delivering a 747-8 Freighter that increases the 747 family's
leadership in the growing cargo market."
Launched in November 2005, the 747-8 Freighter is scheduled to
enter service in late 2009 to launch customers Cargolux and Nippon
Cargo Airlines. The airplane will be longer than the 747-400
Freighter by 18.3 ft and enjoy a maximum structural payload
capability of 154 tons (140 metric tonnes) with a range of more
than 4,420 nm.
Boeing notes the upgraded model will also offer 16 percent more
revenue cargo volume than its predecessor, allowing the airplane to
accommodate four more main-deck pallets and three more lower-hold
pallets. Powered by GEnx engines, the 747-8 Freighter will be 17
percent more fuel efficient than the 747-400 Freighter and 30
percent quieter.
"The 747-8 Freighter builds upon the 747-400 Freighter's
legendary efficiency," said Bogue. "It will provide nearly
equivalent trip costs and 16 percent lower ton-mile costs than its
predecessor. The 747-8 Freighter will deliver the lowest ton-mile
costs of any freighter, giving cargo operators unmatched profit
potential."
The 747-8 Freighter will complement the new 777 Freighter with
the ability to transfer cargo directly between the two airplanes.
The main-deck cargo doors on both airplanes are sized to
accommodate 10-foot-high (three-meter) pallets for easy
interlining.
To date, Boeing has secured 78 orders for the new, efficient
747-8 Freighter from 10 leading cargo operators.
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