Boeing's 747-8 Intercontinental makes its colourful debut

The event called ‘Incredible, Again’ had Boeing employees, customers, government officials, partners and suppliers present to witness the dramatic curtain fall of the high-capacity passenger aircraft.  

Boeing chief commercial officer, Jim Albaugh said the newest 747 incorporates technological advancements that make it an extremely productive aircraft for customers.  

“The new 747-8 Intercontinental features the latest in innovative technologies applying many of the breakthroughs also found on the 787 Dreamliner,” said Albaugh. “We think our customers will value the low operating costs and passengers will enjoy the comfort of the striking new interior.  

“As the only airplane in the 40 to 500-seat market, the 747-8 will give operators an airplane perfectly suited for long, heavy, travelled routes around the world. It will set a new standard in economic and environmental performance, while providing a world-class passenger experience.”  

Launch customer Lufthansa expects delivery of its first 747-8 in the fourth quarter of 2011. Nico Buchholz, executive vice president of Lufthansa Group Fleet Management said: The 747-8 Intercontinental will be a great complement to our fleet, fitting nicely into the 400-seat category, improving our fleet’s eco-efficiency even further.  

“As launch customer, we are looking forward to welcoming this new aircraft to our fleet next year as it adds to our ongoing fleet modernisation and environmental efforts.”  

Korean Air and VIP customers have joined Lufthansa in ordering a total of 33 747-8.  

Boeing claim the 748-8 Intercontinental will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any large commercial jetliner, with 12 percent lower costs than its predecessor, the 747-400. It provides 16 percent better fuel economy, 16 percent less carbon emissions per passenger and generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400.   

The 747-8 applies interior features from the 787 Dreamliner that includes a new curved, upswept architecture.  

The airplane unveiled yesterday is painted in a Sunrise livery of red-orange that will only appear on the first 747-8 Intercontinental and is a significant departure from Boeing’s standard blue.  

“The new colour palette honours many key Boeing customers whose cultures recognise these colours as symbols of prosperity and good luck,” said Albaugh.  

Listen out for Arabian Aerospace’s podcast next Sunday to hear what Elizabeth Lund, 747 vice president and deputy programme manager, says about the 747-8 Intercontinental and why Boeing hope the 747-8 generates interest in the Middle East.