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Boeing challenges Airbus with 747-8
Boeing has launched the new Boeing 747-8 programme, which includes the 747-8 long range passenger aircraft and a cargo aircraft.
Cargolux, based in Luxembourg, has ordered 10 747-8 freighters and will take delivery of the first in third-quarter 2009. It also holds purchase rights for 10 additional aircraft. Cargolux currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of 13 747-400 freighters.
Japan-based Nippon Cargo Airlines has ordered eight 747-8Fs and will receive its first aircraft in fourth-quarter 2009. The airline also has options for six additional aircraft. Nippon Cargo currently operates 13 747 freighters and has six more 747-400Fs on order.
The announcement seeks to clip the wings of the European Airbus group, which is in the process of launching the A380, which will be the world’s largest passenger aircraft and be capable of holding up to 555 passengers.
Boeing up to now has argued that the future of aviation was in somewhat smaller aircraft like its 787 “Dreamliner,” which is considered a midsized, long-distance airliner.
The Chicago-based Boeing will use some of the same technology from its Dreamliner program for the new jumbo jet for improved fuel efficiency and noise reduction.
“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,” said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Boeing said that compared to the A380, the new plane “will offer 22% lower trip costs” and be “about eight percent less per seat mile to operate.”
The 747-8 also fits easily in today’s aviation infrastructure, flying into more than 210 airports worldwide without additional, expensive infrastructure changes required.
The new versions of the 747 will extend the life of a plane that first flew in 1969 and went into service the next year with Pan Am.
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