Boeing Launches New 747-8 Family

The battle between Boeing and Airbus is heating up. The Boeing 747, commonly nicknamed as the Jumbo Jet, is the most recognized of all modern airliners, with a total of 1382 aircraft built or ordered in various 747 configurations, comes another derivative, referred to as the 747-8 (referred to as the 747 Advanced prior to launch).

The Boeing Company today officially launched the new Boeing 747-8 program, which includes the 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane and the 747-8 Freighter airplane.

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 14,815 km (8,000 nmi) and will feature the new Boeing Signature Interior.

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.
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