Dash 8 To Seat 467 Pax

In an apparent answer to Airbus' A380, Boeing is stretching the 747-8 to seat 467 pax now. They'll have to pull a little harder to match the massive A380's 550 passengers, but clearly, Boeing believes there's a market for large people carriers.

Calling it the 747-8 Intercontinental, it's just over 250 feet long, which also happens to be the same length as the freighter version.

Boeing says the 747-8 will use technology developed for the 787 to make the engines quieter, cleaner and more efficient. It says the jet will have 8,000 nautical miles range. Boasting 28% more cargo volume than the 747-400, Boeing claims lower operating costs than the A380.

Specifically, the Chicago planemaker says the 747-8 is 11% lighter comparing the total weight of the plane to the number of seats, and will consume 10% less fuel per passenger than the A380. It says that translates to a 19% lower trip-cost and a 3% reduction in seat-mile costs.

Plus, it says, existing infrastructure can handle the jet at most airports worldwide.

Boeing says the four GEnx-2B67 engines produce 66,500 lbs thrust and propel the 747-8 to .85 Mach. Max take-off weight is nearly 1 million pounds.

The Associated Press reports Boeing has seen interest in the freighter version of the jet, but so far has no orders for the Intercontinental. Airlines that have ordered the freighters will take delivery in late 2009.

Airbus is ahead of Boeing in the large-passenger aircraft order race with over 150 signed up for its A380. The only problem for Airbus is the program is 2 years behind schedule and it looks like they'll have to sell sell as many as 420 to break even on development costs.

Boeing says customers can get a 747-8 Intercontinental in early 2010.

FMI: www.boeing.com