Posted on 12/06/2006 5:52:03 PM PST by COEXERJ145
SEATTLE, Dec. 06, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Deutsche Lufthansa AG today announced the carrier ordered 20 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners plus 20 purchase rights. Lufthansa is the first airline to place an order for the passenger version of the fuel-efficient airplane.
The Lufthansa order, with a total average list-price value of $5.5 billion, is scheduled for delivery beginning in 2010. This order is a primary component of the airline's plan to modernize its fleet and increase environmental stewardship.
"Lufthansa operates one of the youngest and most environmentally friendly fleets in the world," said Scott Carson, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747-8 will use state-of-the-art technology innovations from the 787 Dreamliner to significantly increase the capabilities of Lufthansa's fleet. This airplane improves upon the economics of the 747-400, while greatly enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions and noise. We are thrilled that this world-class airline has chosen this world-class airplane."
The 747-8 will reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 16 percent compared to the 747-400s it will replace. It also will meet and exceed the nitrogen-oxide regulations being incorporated by the Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection.
In addition, the 747-8 will generate 30 percent less noise then its predecessor. It will meet the London Quota Count (QC) 2 metric, which dictates operating hours both into, and out of, London-area airports based on noise levels.
(Excerpt) Read more at boeing.com ...
Ping
The 747 is the prettiest passenger plane, IMHO. Im glad to see the design still in use..
I've only flown on 100 and 200 series 747's. I thought the Braniff 747-127 and 747-123 were the best. They had 9 abreast seating in economy that was very comfortable. They also served their normal first class meals in economy on their 747 flights to HNL. The meals they served on 747 first class were comparable to meals served at five star restaurants.
If you want on or off my aerospace ping list, please contact me by Freep mail.
I wonder how long it will take for Boeing 747-8 orders to match the number of A380s ordered.
In addition to the 747-8 Intercontinental's enhanced performance, the airplane will feature a new interior with 787-like amenities. The interior will incorporate new mood-lighting technology, as well as new lavatories that are being developed for the 787. The newly designed entryway of the 747-8 takes passengers past a concierge station into the elegantly contemporary new interior. A dramatic stairway leads to the upper deck. The new curved, upswept architecture gives passengers great space and comfort, with more room for personal belongings.
I'm wondering. Do you think Boeing is hinting at increasing cabin space by making the walls thinner using the types of insulation? The original A350 was supposed to use this to allow an extra 0.5 inches of width per seat. It sure would be nice if Boeing could fit full 18.0" wide seats in economy on the new 747-8I.
Well, you are the expert on aviation. You know more than those in the industry. ;) I'm sure that they have performed studies to determine customer values. Is the extra .5 inches worth it??? I've been on a 757 the last few flights I've flown. I would not be impressed with an extra half inch. How about you?
We big-boned individuals are not going pay extra unless we get wider seats. So the answer is .... different widths of seats for different prices.
Or they could weigh each passenger with his luggage and charge by the pound.
.....or maybe not ...
The standard 757 seat is 17.2 inches, and the 747 seat is 17.5 inches. If you added 0.5 inches to the to the current 747 seats, they would be the same width as seats used on 767 and 777 depending on the airline. That's 0.8 inches wider than a standard 757 seat. Consider that the 787 will have a 19 inch seat width, and the A380 will have 18.5 inches. The 747-8I might be flying SYD-DFW. Having a little more room would be a serious improvement in comfort. If you notice the difference between the seats on a 767 and a 757, you'd probably also notice the difference if the 747 cabin were upgraded.
Considering there are two walls, thats a decrease of 2.5 inches from each wall from the interior fittings not the external fuselage dimensions. If Airbus could shave off a couple of inches per wall from their existing A330/A340 cabin to widen their seats from 18.0 to 18.5 inches, I don't see why Boeing couldn't do something similar with the 747. It should work even better on a 747, because the wall doesn't curve inward as severely as the A330. The main reason for the decrease in wall thickness in the original A350 offering was new insulation materials that are thinner than the currently used insulation.
The passenger version is officially a go!!!
The orders are going to start pouring in for this plane in 2007.
Highly like we'll see orders from one or both Japanese carriers as well as British Airways.
Singapore, Emirates, and Quantas airlines are all in the play as well as major customers. I also suspect that Chinese and Indian airlines will be ordering some.
Qantas is another likely customer. Singapore has said they're not currently looking @ the 747-8 and Emirates has said they're only interested in the freighter version.
Problem with state run airlines like the Chinese market or Emirates is that politics is always a factor in what orders they do, even if its not the perfect plane for their business needs.
And when you have politicians involved in the purchasing deals from these countries, bribes become easily involved.
Emirates just buys the flashiest aircraft they can get their hands on.
I would love to see United Airlines order some, and if Northwest were to get their act together, I hope they too would order some.
I liked Braniff, too. It's a shame the didn't take some lessons from Herb.
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