Updates Classic Airplane With Dreamliner Technology

Boeing officially launched the new Boeing 747-8 program Tuesday, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane and the 747-8 Freighter airplane. The company also announced the two launch customers for the cargo version of the aircraft: Luxembourg-based Cargolux and Japan's Nippon Cargo Airlines.

"We are thrilled to have Cargolux and Nippon Cargo choose the new 747-8 and become the launch customers for this next generation of the proud and valuable 747 airplane family," said Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747-8 will use the technologies of the 787 Dreamliner to significantly increase the passenger and freighter capabilities of the 747 and offer greater fuel efficiency, improved operating economics, and be more friendly to the environment with reduced noise and emissions."

Firm orders from the two launch customers are valued at approximately $5 billion at list prices, according to a Boeing release. Nippon Cargo has ordered eight 747-8 Freighters, and acquired options for six more. The company will receive its first airplane in Q4 of 2009.

Cargolux has ordered 10 747-8 Freighters and will take delivery of the first 747-8F in third-quarter 2009. It also holds purchase rights for 10 additional airplanes.

The 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane will be stretched 3.6 m (11.7 ft) compared to the 747-400, to accommodate 34 additional seats in a typical three-class configuration. The only jetliner in the 400- to 500-seat category, it will have a range of 8,000 nm.

The 747-8 Freighter will be 5.6 m (18.3 ft) longer than the 747-400 freighter. With a total payload capacity of 140 metric tonnes (154 tons), including tare weight, the 747-8F provides 16 percent more cargo revenue volume than the -400. The additional 117m� (4,124 ft�) from the longer fuselage offers space for four additional main-deck pallets, two additional lower-hold pallets and two additional lower-hold containers. Cargo can be loaded and unloaded on the 747-8F using both the nose and side doors for maximum speed and efficiency.

Both freighter and passenger versions of the new 747 will feature GE's 787-technology GEnx engines, allowing the aircraft to meet Stage 4 and QC2 noise requirements, as well as reducing emissions. Both aircraft will feature updated avionics and an improved wing.

The improvements, according to Boeing, will allow the -8 variants of the venerable 747 to have lower trip costs than Airbus's A380. The company also pointedly mentions the 747-8 will be able to operate out of existing airports, whereas infrastructure improvements have been needed at many airports in anticipation of handling the larger Airbus.

Boeing forecasts the need for about 900 airplanes -- passenger haulers and freighters -- in the 400-plus-seat segment over the next 20 years. The manufacturer believes large widebody freighters (65 metric tons and above in capacity) will comprise 34 percent of the freighter market by 2024.

FMI: www.boeing.com