New 747-8 Features Dreamliner, T7 Design Cues Inside

If it comes anything close in reality to how it looks in the picture... wow. On Thursday, Boeing unveiled a life-size sales display of the interior for the new 747-8 Intercontinental. Boeing says the two-story display showcases the dramatic interior architecture of the 747-8.

The 747-8 mimics interior features from the 787 Dreamliner -- including a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings. The interior architecture is accentuated by new lighting technology that creates a perception of airy brightness, and provides smooth lighting transitions to offer a more restful environment.

The 747-8 also integrates features from the 777, including windows that equal those on the 777, and are larger than those on the 747-400.

"The 747 family's unique interior and structural design have provided passengers with memorable flying experiences for decades," said Dan Mooney, vice president, 747/747-8 Program. "By incorporating 787-style interior features, the new 747-8 Intercontinental will provide a significantly enhanced passenger experience. Passengers will know they are on a brand new airplane the moment they step on board the 747-8, and will experience a whole new way to fly."

Door two, where passengers normally enter a 747, represents the most noticeable change from the 747-400. The entryway features a dramatic sweeping staircase leading to the upper deck.

"The new entryway will greatly enhance the passenger appeal and create a strong first impression," said Doug Ackerman, engineering interior team leader for the 747-8. "However, the entryway provides more than just aesthetic appeal. It also was designed to facilitate improved passenger flow during boarding and deplaning."

The 1,750-square-foot sales display, located at the Boeing Customer Experience Center in Renton, WA, focuses on the airplane's door-two entryway, staircase and upper deck. It also highlights the business-class section forward of the entryway and economy class aft of the entryway.

FMI: www.boeing.com