Boeing 747-8
Encyclopedia
The Boeing 747-8 is a wide-body
jet airliner
developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes
. Officially announced in 2005, the 747-8 is the fourth-generation Boeing 747
version, with lengthened fuselage
, redesigned wings and improved efficiency. The 747-8 is the largest 747 version, the largest commercial aircraft built in the United States, and the longest passenger aircraft in the world.
The 747-8 is offered in two main variants: the 747-8 Intercontinental (747-8I) for passengers and the 747-8 Freighter (747-8F) for cargo. The first 747-8F performed the model's maiden flight
on February 8, 2010 with the 747-8 Intercontinental following on March 20, 2011. In October 2011, confirmed orders for the 747-8 totaled 111, including 75 of the freighter version, and 36 of the passenger version. Delivery of the first freighter aircraft was delayed before occurring in October 2011; passenger model deliveries are to begin in 2012.
A3XX
. This was a more modest proposal than the previous -500X and -600X. The 747X would increase the 747's wingspan to 229 ft (69.8 m) by adding a segment at the root. The 747X was to carry 430 passengers up to 8700 nmi (16,112.4 km). The 747X Stretch would be extended to 263 ft (80.2 m) long, allowing it to carry 500 passengers up to 7800 nmi (14,445.6 km). However, the 747X family was unable to attract enough interest to enter production. Some of the ideas developed for the 747X were used on the 747-400ER.
After the 747X program, Boeing continued to study improvements to the 747. The 747-400XQLR (Quiet Long Range) was meant to have an increased range of 7980 nmi (14,779 km), with better fuel efficiency
and reduced noise
. Changes studied included raked wingtips similar to those used on the 767-400ER and a sawtooth
engine nacelle for noise reduction. Although the 747-400XQLR did not move to production, many of its features were used for the 747 Advanced.
In early 2004, Boeing announced tentative plans for the 747 Advanced that were eventually adopted. Similar in nature to the 747X, the stretched 747 Advanced used technology from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to modernize the design and its systems. On November 14, 2005, Boeing announced that it was launching the 747 Advanced as the "Boeing 747-8".
are the only 747 variants with a fuselage of modified length. The 747-8 was intended to use the same engine and cockpit
technology as that of the 787, including the General Electric GEnx
turbofan
and partial fly-by-wire
. Boeing said that the new design would be quieter, more economical, and more environmentally friendly
than previous versions of the 747. As a derivative of the already-common 747-400
, the 747-8 has the economic benefit of similar training and interchangeable parts
. Boeing firmed the 747-8 Freighter's configuration in October 2006.
The 747-8, as the current new development of Boeing's largest airliner, is notably in direct competition on long-haul routes with the Airbus A380
, a full-length double-deck aircraft
now in service. For airlines seeking very large passenger airliners, the two have been pitched as competitors
on various occasions. Boeing claims that the 747-8 is more than 10 percent lighter per seat and will consume 11 percent less fuel per passenger than the A380, translating into a trip-cost reduction of 21 percent and a seat-mile cost reduction of over 6 percent.
Production of the first 747-8 Freighter began in Everett in early August 2008. On November 14, 2008, Boeing announced a delay to the 747-8 program, citing limited availability of engineering resources within Boeing, design changes, and the recent strike by factory workers. On July 21, 2009, Boeing released a photograph of the first cargo airplane, its fuselage and main wing assembled.
In February 2009, only one airline customer (Lufthansa
) had ordered the 747-8I passenger model, and Boeing announced it was reassessing the 747-8 project. Chief executive Jim McNerney stated that continuation of the project was not a foregone conclusion. The company was assessing various options.
In October 2009, Boeing announced that it had delayed the first flight on the 747-8 until first quarter 2010 and delayed 747-8I delivery. The company took a US$1-billion charge against its earnings for this delay. In response, launch customer Cargolux
stated it still intended to take delivery of the thirteen freighters it had ordered; Lufthansa
confirmed its commitment to the passenger version. On November 12, 2009, Boeing announced that Cargolux's first airplane was fully assembled and entering the Everett plant's paint shop. It will undergo flight testing prior to delivery.
On December 4, 2009, Korean Air
became the second airline customer for the -8I passenger model, with an order for five airliners. On January 8, 2010, Guggenheim Aviation Partners (GAP) announced the reduction of its -8F order from four to two aircraft. In March 2011, Korean Air converted options into a firm order for two additional -8 freighters.
On April 21, 2010, Boeing chief executive officer
Jim McNerney
announced that the company would be accelerating the production of both the Boeing 747 and 777
to support increasing customer demand.
, Washington at 12:39 PST, and landed at 4:18 pm PST. Boeing estimates that more than 1,600 flight hours will be needed in order to certify the 747-8. The second test flight in late February, a ferry flight to Moses Lake
, Washington, tested new navigation equipment. Further flight testing will take place in Moses Lake, conducting initial airworthiness and flutter tests, before moving to Palmdale, California
for the majority of flight tests, so as to not interfere with 787 flight tests based out of Boeing Field
in Seattle.
By March 11, 2010, the 747-8F had flown thirteen flights for a total of 33 hours of flying time. On March 15, 2010, the second 747-8F first flew from Paine Field to Boeing Field, where it will be based for a short time before moving to Palmdale to continue flight testing with the first -8F. On March 17 the third -8F made its first flight and joined the test program. Boeing still plans to display the 747-8F at the 2010 Farnborough Airshow, along with the 787, although appearances by both aircraft are contingent on flight testing remaining on schedule.
During the flight tests, Boeing discovered a buffet problem with the aircraft, involving turbulence coming off the landing gear doors interfering with the inboard flaps. Boeing undertook an evaluation of the issue, which included devoting the third test aircraft to investigating the problem. The issue was resolved by a design change to the outboard main landing gear doors. In early April 2010, Boeing identified a possible defect in a part at the top of the fuselage called a longeron
. According to Boeing, the parts, manufactured by subcontractor Vought Aircraft Industries, are, under certain loads, susceptible to cracking. Boeing said that the issue would not affect flight testing, but other sources stated that the problem could impact the operating envelope of the aircraft until it is fully repaired. Two other problems have been found, with oscillation in the inboard aileron, and a structural flutter, and have not yet been resolved. Combined, these problems have slowed flight testing and used up almost all the margin in Boeing's development schedule.
On April 19, 2010, the second flight-test aircraft was moved from Moses Lake to Palmdale to conduct tests on the aircraft's engines in preparation for obtaining a type certification
for the aircraft. The remaining aircraft in the test fleet are scheduled to be moved to Palmdale during May. It was reported on June 3, 2010 that an engine on the second 747-8F was struck by a tug during a ground move. The engine cowling was damaged, but there was no damage to the engine itself. After repairs the aircraft is to perform fuel efficiency testing. It was announced on June 14, 2010 that the 747-8 had completed the initial phase of flight-worthiness testing and that the FAA
had given Boeing an expanded type inspection authorization for the aircraft.
By the end of June 2010, the three 747-8Fs that composed the flight-test program had flown a total of over 500 hours and had completed hot-weather testing in Arizona. In June 2010, Boeing determined that a fourth -8F aircraft was needed to help complete flight testing. It was decided to use the second production aircraft, RC503, to conduct the non-instrumented or minimally-instrumented tests, such as HIRF
and Water Spray Certifications. The aircraft, painted in delivery customer Cargolux
's new livery, first flew on July 23, 2010.
On August 21, 2010, the 747-8F proved its capability by taking off from the Victorville, California runway weighing 1,005,000 pounds (455,860 kg). Its design maximum take-off weight
(MTOW) is 975,000 pounds (442,253 kg). The fifth 747-8F joined the flight-test effort with its first flight on February 3, 2011. On September 30, 2010 Boeing announced a further postponement, with the delivery of the first freighter to Cargolux planned for mid-2011.
The 747-8F received its amended type certificate
jointly from the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) on August 19, 2011. Freighter deliveries are to begin on September 19, 2011.
The 747-8I passenger variant took to the skies over Everett, Washington for the first time on March 20, 2011. The second 747-8I flew on April 26, 2011. Two 747-8I aircraft are to take part in the 747-8I flight test program.
On September 17, 2011 Cargolux announced that it would not accept the first two 747-8Fs scheduled for delivery on September 19, 2011, and September 21, due to "unresolved contractual issues between Boeing and Cargolux" with the aircraft. The 747-8F's first commercial flight was planned for September 26, 2011 by Cargolux from Luxembourg – Findel Airport to Milan Malpensa Airport
. After resolving their contractual issues, Boeing handed over the first 747-8F to Cargolux in Everett, Washington on October 12, 2011. The freighter then flew to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and picked up cargo before flying to Luxembourg.
On October 25, 2011 the 747-8I flew to Grantley Adams International Airport
in Barbados
to begin flight testing in the tropical climate
of the Caribbean
to determine its effects on the aircraft. During the previous week on October 17 the Boeing 787 Dreamliner also went to Barbados to perform similar testing.
, surpassing the Airbus A340-600
by approximately 3 ft (0.9144 m). With a maximum take-off weight
of 975000 lb (442,252.6 kg), the 747-8 is the heaviest aircraft, commercial or military, manufactured in the United States.
Compared to the 747-400, the main technical changes have been on the wings, which have undergone a complete design overhaul. The sweep
and basic structure has been kept to contain costs, but the wing is thicker and deeper, with the aerodynamics recalculated. The pressure distribution and bending moment
s are different, with the new wing for the passenger version holding 64225 US gal (243,118.1 l) of jet fuel, and the cargo aircraft 60925 US gal (230,626.2 l). The new wing will have single-slotted outboard flaps
and double-slotted inboard flaps.
Raked wingtips, similar to the ones used on the 777-200LR, 777-300ER, and 787 aircraft, are used on the new 747 variant instead of winglets used on the 747-400. These wingtip structures help reduce the wingtip vortices
at the lateral edges of the wings, decreasing wake turbulence
and drag
, and thereby increasing fuel efficiency. Another effort to reduce weight is the introduction of fly-by-wire technology for the majority of the lateral controls.
The extra fuel capacity in the redesigned wing compared to the 747-400 eliminates the need to radically change the horizontal tail
unit to accommodate auxiliary tanks, further saving costs. The -8's vertical tail unit is largely unchanged with a height of 63 in 6 in (19.35 m). Some carbon fiber-reinforced plastic will be part of the 747-8's airframe
to reduce weight. However, structural changes are mostly evolutionary, rather than revolutionary with respect to the 747-400.
The General Electric GEnx
, which is one of the two powerplant choices currently offered for the Boeing 787, is to be the only engine available for the 747-8. However, the 747 variant has been adapted to provide bleed air
for conventional aircraft systems and feature a smaller diameter to fit on the 747 wing. The flight tests of the GEnx 2b engine fitted to a Boeing 747-100 aircraft at the left inner engine began in March 2009.
, it will have a total payload capability of 308000 lb (139,706.4 kg) and a range of 4390 nmi (8,130.3 km). Four extra pallet spaces will be created on the main deck, with either two extra containers
and two extra pallet
s, or three extra pallets, on the lower deck. The 747-8F is expected to achieve a 16% lower ton-mile operating cost than the 747-400F and offer a slightly greater range.
The 747-8F will have more payload capacity but less range than the current 747-400ERF. When Boeing launched the -400ERF, all of the 35000 lb (15,875.7 kg) increase in MTOW
over the 747-400F 875000–910000 lb (396,893.3–412,769.1 kg) allowed airlines to take off with more fuel, burn it during flight, and land at the same weight as the regular 747-400F. This increased the range of the 747-400ERF compared to the 747-400F. Cargo carriers often move machinery or indivisible loads that require a plane with a higher payload and landing capability. As is common with cargo planes, range is given with maximum payload, not fuel. The 747-8's 65000 lb (29,483.5 kg) MTOW increase has been directed exclusively to its Zero-Fuel weight
or payload capacity. If taking off at maximum payload, the 747-8 takes off with its tanks not full. On trips where the payload is not at maximum, the plane can take on more fuel and extend its range.
Cargolux
and Nippon Cargo Airlines
were the first customers for the 747-8, placing orders for the freighter variant in November 2005. The firm configuration of the aircraft was finalized in October 2006. Major assembly of the aircraft began on August 8, 2008, and the aircraft first left Boeing's Everett factory on November 12, 2009. The first aircraft was delivered on October 12, 2011 to Cargolux.
0.855. The 747-8I will carry 51 more passengers and two more freight pallets
with 26% more cargo volume than the 747-400. Despite initial plans for a shorter stretch than the freighter model, the two variants will be the same length, increasing passenger capacity and allowing easier modification of the 747-8I to freighter use. The upper deck will be lengthened on the -8I. New engine technology and aerodynamic modifications will allow longer range. Boeing has stated that compared to the 747-400, the -8I will be 30% quieter, 16% more fuel-efficient, and have 13% lower seat-mile costs with nearly the same cost per trip.
For the 747-8, Boeing has proposed some changes to the interior layout of the aircraft. Most noticeable will be the curved stairway to the upper deck and a more spacious main passenger entrance. The 747-8's main cabin uses an interior similar to that of the 787. Overhead bins are curved, and the center row is designed to look as though it is attached to the curved ceiling, rather than integrated into the ceiling's curve like on the 777
. The windows will also be of similar size to the type used on the 777, which are 8% larger than those on the current 747-400s. The 747-8 will feature a new solid-state
light-emitting diode
(LED) lighting system, which can create mood
lighting. LED technology also offers improved reliability and lower maintenance costs.
Further down the aircraft, it has been proposed to place cabin-accessible facilities in the "crown" area, the space above the passenger cabin, currently used for air-conditioning ducts and wiring. The wiring and ducts will be moved to the side to create extra space; as a consequence, this area will not have windows. The added space can be used for galleys and crew rest areas, freeing up main deck space for additional passenger seating.
During the initial 747-8 marketing phase, Boeing also proposed creating a revenue-generating "SkyLoft" passenger facility in the crown space. This facility would include "SkySuites", small individual compartments with sliding doors or curtains, featuring beds, seating, and entertainment or business equipment. A common lounge area could also be provided. Boeing also proposed smaller, more modest "SkyBunks". Access to the crown area would be via a separate stairway at the rear of the aircraft. Passengers using the SkySuites, sold at a premium price, would sit in regular economy class
seats for take-off and landing, and move to the crown area during flight. However, pricing feasibility studies found the SkyLoft concept difficult to justify. In 2007, Boeing dropped the SkyLoft concept in favor of upper-deck galley storage options, which were favored by the airlines. Outfitting the crown space for sleeping remains an option on VIP aircraft.
The first order for the 747-8 Intercontinental was placed by an undisclosed VIP
customer in May 2006, widely believed to be a Middle Eastern head of state. Lufthansa
became the first airline to order the 747-8 Intercontinental on December 6, 2006. In December 2009, Korean Air announced the order of five 747-8Is. Boeing stated firm configuration for the -8I was reached in November 2007.
Major assembly of the 747-8I began on May 8, 2010. The final body join occurred on October 15, 2010, slightly ahead of the projected schedule. Assembly of first 747-8I was completed in February 2011, before being unveiled at a rollout ceremony in Everett, Washington on February 13, 2011. Deliveries are to begin in late 2011.
On March 7, 2011, it was announced that Air China
had agreed to purchase five 747-8Is, subject to government approval, at a price of $1.54 billion. Air China said it would use the aircraft to increase international service.
Gauntlet ground testing of the -8I, which tests systems by simulating flight conditions, took place on March 12 and 13, 2011. The 747-8I's first flight occurred on March 20, 2011 from Paine Field in Everett, Washington. The second 747-8I first flew the following month.
by replacing the Boeing VC-25
(two heavily modified 747-200Bs). Boeing is reported to be exploring a 747-8 proposal, along with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner variant. In 2010, South Korea
government sources indicated that the country was considering purchasing the 747-8 to serve as the country's presidential aircraft.
Data through November 8, 2011.
F. In addition, the 747
has a long history as a successful cargo aircraft, and remains popular among operators, as it has a larger cargo capacity and a longer range than other freight aircraft.
Compared to the freighter version, the passenger version of the 747-8 has received far fewer orders. Airlines including Emirates
and British Airways
considered ordering the 747-8 Intercontinental, but opted to purchase the Airbus A380
instead. The 747-8I has also received several VIP orders from various customers. Boeing Chairman and Chief Executive Jim McNerney acknowledged in a conference call to Boeing's
investors in April 2008 that he would like to see more orders for the passenger version of the 747-8.
On March 7, 2011, it was announced that Air China
had agreed to purchase five 747-8Is, pending approval by the Chinese government. On June 20, 2011 at the Paris Air Show
, Boeing announced that it had received two orders and 15 commitments from two different undisclosed users for the -8I. Then GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) agreed to buy two freighters the next day. On October 6, Arik Air
was announced as the customer for two 747-8Is; this airline was the unidentified customer that had ordered two aircraft at the Paris Air Show. On November 8, 2011, it was reported that Transaero
had preliminarily agreed to purchase four 747-8Is.
Sources: 747-8 Specifications, 747-8 Airport brochure, 747-8 Airport Compatibility report
Wide-body aircraft
A wide-body aircraft is a large airliner with two passenger aisles, also known as a widebody aircraft or twin-aisle aircraft. The typical fuselage diameter is . In the typical wide-body economy cabin, passengers are seated seven to ten abreast, allowing a total capacity of 200 to 850 passengers...
jet airliner
Jet airliner
A jet airliner is an airliner that is powered by jet engines. This term is sometimes contracted to jetliner or jet.In contrast to today's relatively fuel-efficient, turbofan-powered air travel, first generation jet airliner travel was noisy and fuel inefficient...
developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Boeing Commercial Airplanes designs, assembles, markets and sells large commercial jet aircraft and provides product-related maintenance and training to customers worldwide...
. Officially announced in 2005, the 747-8 is the fourth-generation Boeing 747
Boeing 747
The Boeing 747 is a wide-body commercial airliner and cargo transport, often referred to by its original nickname, Jumbo Jet, or Queen of the Skies. It is among the world's most recognizable aircraft, and was the first wide-body ever produced...
version, with lengthened fuselage
Fuselage
The fuselage is an aircraft's main body section that holds crew and passengers or cargo. In single-engine aircraft it will usually contain an engine, although in some amphibious aircraft the single engine is mounted on a pylon attached to the fuselage which in turn is used as a floating hull...
, redesigned wings and improved efficiency. The 747-8 is the largest 747 version, the largest commercial aircraft built in the United States, and the longest passenger aircraft in the world.
The 747-8 is offered in two main variants: the 747-8 Intercontinental (747-8I) for passengers and the 747-8 Freighter (747-8F) for cargo. The first 747-8F performed the model's maiden flight
Maiden flight
The maiden flight of an aircraft is the first occasion on which an aircraft leaves the ground of its own accord. This is similar to a ship's maiden voyage....
on February 8, 2010 with the 747-8 Intercontinental following on March 20, 2011. In October 2011, confirmed orders for the 747-8 totaled 111, including 75 of the freighter version, and 36 of the passenger version. Delivery of the first freighter aircraft was delayed before occurring in October 2011; passenger model deliveries are to begin in 2012.
Background
Boeing had considered larger-capacity versions of the 747 several times during the 1990s and 2000s. The 747-500X and -600X, proposed at the 1996 Farnborough Airshow, would have stretched the 747 and used a 777-derived wing, but did not attract enough interest to enter development. In 2000, Boeing offered the 747X and 747X Stretch derivatives as alternatives to the AirbusAirbus
Airbus SAS is an aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of EADS, a European aerospace company. Based in Blagnac, France, surburb of Toulouse, and with significant activity across Europe, the company produces around half of the world's jet airliners....
A3XX
Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by the European corporation Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS. It is the largest passenger airliner in the world. Due to its size, many airports had to modify and improve facilities to accommodate it...
. This was a more modest proposal than the previous -500X and -600X. The 747X would increase the 747's wingspan to 229 ft (69.8 m) by adding a segment at the root. The 747X was to carry 430 passengers up to 8700 nmi (16,112.4 km). The 747X Stretch would be extended to 263 ft (80.2 m) long, allowing it to carry 500 passengers up to 7800 nmi (14,445.6 km). However, the 747X family was unable to attract enough interest to enter production. Some of the ideas developed for the 747X were used on the 747-400ER.
After the 747X program, Boeing continued to study improvements to the 747. The 747-400XQLR (Quiet Long Range) was meant to have an increased range of 7980 nmi (14,779 km), with better fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a form of thermal efficiency, meaning the efficiency of a process that converts chemical potential energy contained in a carrier fuel into kinetic energy or work. Overall fuel efficiency may vary per device, which in turn may vary per application, and this spectrum of variance is...
and reduced noise
Aircraft noise
Aircraft noise is noise pollution produced by any aircraft or its components, during various phases of a flight: on the ground while parked such as auxiliary power units, while taxiing, on run-up from propeller and jet exhaust, during take off, underneath and lateral to departure and arrival paths,...
. Changes studied included raked wingtips similar to those used on the 767-400ER and a sawtooth
Triangle wave
A triangle wave is a non-sinusoidal waveform named for its triangular shape.Like a square wave, the triangle wave contains only odd harmonics...
engine nacelle for noise reduction. Although the 747-400XQLR did not move to production, many of its features were used for the 747 Advanced.
In early 2004, Boeing announced tentative plans for the 747 Advanced that were eventually adopted. Similar in nature to the 747X, the stretched 747 Advanced used technology from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to modernize the design and its systems. On November 14, 2005, Boeing announced that it was launching the 747 Advanced as the "Boeing 747-8".
Design effort
The 747-8 was designed to be the first lengthened 747 to go in to production. The 747-8 and 747SPBoeing 747SP
The Boeing 747SP is a modified version of the Boeing 747 jet airliner which was designed for ultra-long-range flights. The SP stands for "Special Performance". Compared with its predecessor, the 747-100, the 747SP retains its wide-body, four-engine layout, along with its double-deck design, but...
are the only 747 variants with a fuselage of modified length. The 747-8 was intended to use the same engine and cockpit
Cockpit
A cockpit or flight deck is the area, usually near the front of an aircraft, from which a pilot controls the aircraft. Most modern cockpits are enclosed, except on some small aircraft, and cockpits on large airliners are also physically separated from the cabin...
technology as that of the 787, including the General Electric GEnx
General Electric GEnx
The General Electric GEnx is an advanced dual rotor, axial flow, high-bypass turbofan jet engine in production by GE Aviation for the Boeing 787 and 747-8...
turbofan
Turbofan
The turbofan is a type of airbreathing jet engine that is widely used for aircraft propulsion. A turbofan combines two types of engines, the turbo portion which is a conventional gas turbine engine, and the fan, a propeller-like ducted fan...
and partial fly-by-wire
Fly-by-wire
Fly-by-wire is a system that replaces the conventional manual flight controls of an aircraft with an electronic interface. The movements of flight controls are converted to electronic signals transmitted by wires , and flight control computers determine how to move the actuators at each control...
. Boeing said that the new design would be quieter, more economical, and more environmentally friendly
Environmentally friendly
Environmentally friendly are terms used to refer to goods and services, laws, guidelines and policies claimed to inflict minimal or no harm on the environment....
than previous versions of the 747. As a derivative of the already-common 747-400
Boeing 747-400
The Boeing 747-400 is a major development and the best-selling model of the Boeing 747 family of jet airliners. While retaining the four-engine wide-body layout of its predecessors, the 747-400 embodies numerous technological and structural changes to produce a more efficient airframe...
, the 747-8 has the economic benefit of similar training and interchangeable parts
Interchangeable parts
Interchangeable parts are parts that are, for practical purposes, identical. They are made to specifications that ensure that they are so nearly identical that they will fit into any device of the same type. One such part can freely replace another, without any custom fitting...
. Boeing firmed the 747-8 Freighter's configuration in October 2006.
Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by the European corporation Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS. It is the largest passenger airliner in the world. Due to its size, many airports had to modify and improve facilities to accommodate it...
, a full-length double-deck aircraft
Double-deck aircraft
A Double-deck aircraft has two decks for passengers; the second deck may be only a partial deck, and may be above or below the main deck. Almost all commercial aircraft have one passenger deck and one cargo deck for luggage and ULD containers, but only a few have two decks for passengers,...
now in service. For airlines seeking very large passenger airliners, the two have been pitched as competitors
Competition between Airbus and Boeing
Competition between Airbus and Boeing is a result of both companies' domination of the large jet airliner market since the 1990s, a consequence of mergers within the global aerospace industry over the years. Airbus began as a consortium from Europe, whereas the American Boeing took over its former...
on various occasions. Boeing claims that the 747-8 is more than 10 percent lighter per seat and will consume 11 percent less fuel per passenger than the A380, translating into a trip-cost reduction of 21 percent and a seat-mile cost reduction of over 6 percent.
Production of the first 747-8 Freighter began in Everett in early August 2008. On November 14, 2008, Boeing announced a delay to the 747-8 program, citing limited availability of engineering resources within Boeing, design changes, and the recent strike by factory workers. On July 21, 2009, Boeing released a photograph of the first cargo airplane, its fuselage and main wing assembled.
In February 2009, only one airline customer (Lufthansa
Lufthansa
Deutsche Lufthansa AG is the flag carrier of Germany and the largest airline in Europe in terms of overall passengers carried. The name of the company is derived from Luft , and Hansa .The airline is the world's fourth-largest airline in terms of overall passengers carried, operating...
) had ordered the 747-8I passenger model, and Boeing announced it was reassessing the 747-8 project. Chief executive Jim McNerney stated that continuation of the project was not a foregone conclusion. The company was assessing various options.
In October 2009, Boeing announced that it had delayed the first flight on the 747-8 until first quarter 2010 and delayed 747-8I delivery. The company took a US$1-billion charge against its earnings for this delay. In response, launch customer Cargolux
Cargolux
Cargolux Airlines International S.A., trading as Cargolux, is a cargo airline with its head office on the grounds of Luxembourg – Findel Airport in Sandweiler, Luxembourg. It is one of the largest scheduled all-cargo airlines in Europe with a global network...
stated it still intended to take delivery of the thirteen freighters it had ordered; Lufthansa
Lufthansa
Deutsche Lufthansa AG is the flag carrier of Germany and the largest airline in Europe in terms of overall passengers carried. The name of the company is derived from Luft , and Hansa .The airline is the world's fourth-largest airline in terms of overall passengers carried, operating...
confirmed its commitment to the passenger version. On November 12, 2009, Boeing announced that Cargolux's first airplane was fully assembled and entering the Everett plant's paint shop. It will undergo flight testing prior to delivery.
On December 4, 2009, Korean Air
Korean Air
Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. , operating as Korean Air, is both the flag carrier and the largest airline of South Korea, with global headquarters located in Seoul, South Korea. Korean Air's international passenger division and related subsidiary cargo division together serve 130 cities in 45...
became the second airline customer for the -8I passenger model, with an order for five airliners. On January 8, 2010, Guggenheim Aviation Partners (GAP) announced the reduction of its -8F order from four to two aircraft. In March 2011, Korean Air converted options into a firm order for two additional -8 freighters.
On April 21, 2010, Boeing chief executive officer
Chief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
Jim McNerney
James McNerney
W. James McNerney, Jr, is an American business executive. He is the current CEO of Boeing Company.- Education :...
announced that the company would be accelerating the production of both the Boeing 747 and 777
Boeing 777
The Boeing 777 is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is the world's largest twinjet and is commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven". The aircraft has seating for over 300 passengers and has a range from , depending on model...
to support increasing customer demand.
Flight testing and certification
The 747-8's first engine runs were completed in December 2009. Boeing announced the new model had successfully completed high-speed taxi tests on February 7, 2010. On February 8, 2010, after a 2.5-hour weather delay, the 747-8 Freighter made its maiden flight, taking off from Paine FieldPaine Field
Paine Field, also known as Snohomish County Airport is a public airport located in unincorporated Snohomish County, between Mukilteo and Everett, Washington...
, Washington at 12:39 PST, and landed at 4:18 pm PST. Boeing estimates that more than 1,600 flight hours will be needed in order to certify the 747-8. The second test flight in late February, a ferry flight to Moses Lake
Grant County International Airport
Grant County International Airport is a public use airport located five nautical miles northwest of the central business district of Moses Lake, in Grant County, Washington, United States. It is owned by the Port of Moses Lake....
, Washington, tested new navigation equipment. Further flight testing will take place in Moses Lake, conducting initial airworthiness and flutter tests, before moving to Palmdale, California
Palmdale, California
Palmdale is a city located in the center of northern Los Angeles County, California, United States.Palmdale was the first community within the Antelope Valley to incorporate as a city on August 24, 1962; 47 years later, voters approved creating a charter city in November, 2009. Palmdale is...
for the majority of flight tests, so as to not interfere with 787 flight tests based out of Boeing Field
Boeing Field
Boeing Field, officially King County International Airport , is a two-runway airport owned and run by King County, Washington, USA. In promotional literature, the airport is frequently referred to as KCIA, but this is not the airport identifier. The airport has some passenger service, but is mostly...
in Seattle.
By March 11, 2010, the 747-8F had flown thirteen flights for a total of 33 hours of flying time. On March 15, 2010, the second 747-8F first flew from Paine Field to Boeing Field, where it will be based for a short time before moving to Palmdale to continue flight testing with the first -8F. On March 17 the third -8F made its first flight and joined the test program. Boeing still plans to display the 747-8F at the 2010 Farnborough Airshow, along with the 787, although appearances by both aircraft are contingent on flight testing remaining on schedule.
During the flight tests, Boeing discovered a buffet problem with the aircraft, involving turbulence coming off the landing gear doors interfering with the inboard flaps. Boeing undertook an evaluation of the issue, which included devoting the third test aircraft to investigating the problem. The issue was resolved by a design change to the outboard main landing gear doors. In early April 2010, Boeing identified a possible defect in a part at the top of the fuselage called a longeron
Longeron
In aircraft construction, a longeron or stringer or stiffener is a thin strip of wood, metal or carbon fiber, to which the skin of the aircraft is fastened. In the fuselage, longerons are attached to formers and run the longitudinal direction of the aircraft...
. According to Boeing, the parts, manufactured by subcontractor Vought Aircraft Industries, are, under certain loads, susceptible to cracking. Boeing said that the issue would not affect flight testing, but other sources stated that the problem could impact the operating envelope of the aircraft until it is fully repaired. Two other problems have been found, with oscillation in the inboard aileron, and a structural flutter, and have not yet been resolved. Combined, these problems have slowed flight testing and used up almost all the margin in Boeing's development schedule.
On April 19, 2010, the second flight-test aircraft was moved from Moses Lake to Palmdale to conduct tests on the aircraft's engines in preparation for obtaining a type certification
Type certificate
A Type Certificate, is awarded by aviation regulating bodies to aerospace manufacturers after it has been established that the particular design of a civil aircraft, engine, or propeller has fulfilled the regulating bodies' current prevailing airworthiness requirements for the safe conduct of...
for the aircraft. The remaining aircraft in the test fleet are scheduled to be moved to Palmdale during May. It was reported on June 3, 2010 that an engine on the second 747-8F was struck by a tug during a ground move. The engine cowling was damaged, but there was no damage to the engine itself. After repairs the aircraft is to perform fuel efficiency testing. It was announced on June 14, 2010 that the 747-8 had completed the initial phase of flight-worthiness testing and that the FAA
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
had given Boeing an expanded type inspection authorization for the aircraft.
By the end of June 2010, the three 747-8Fs that composed the flight-test program had flown a total of over 500 hours and had completed hot-weather testing in Arizona. In June 2010, Boeing determined that a fourth -8F aircraft was needed to help complete flight testing. It was decided to use the second production aircraft, RC503, to conduct the non-instrumented or minimally-instrumented tests, such as HIRF
HIRF
HIRF is an acronym for High Intensity Radiated Fields and refers to radio frequency energy of a strength sufficient to cause adversely effect either the performance of a device subjected to it, or to a living organism. A microwave oven is an example of this principle put to controlled, safe...
and Water Spray Certifications. The aircraft, painted in delivery customer Cargolux
Cargolux
Cargolux Airlines International S.A., trading as Cargolux, is a cargo airline with its head office on the grounds of Luxembourg – Findel Airport in Sandweiler, Luxembourg. It is one of the largest scheduled all-cargo airlines in Europe with a global network...
's new livery, first flew on July 23, 2010.
On August 21, 2010, the 747-8F proved its capability by taking off from the Victorville, California runway weighing 1,005,000 pounds (455,860 kg). Its design maximum take-off weight
Maximum Take-Off Weight
The Maximum Takeoff Weight or Maximum Takeoff Mass of an aircraft is the maximum weight at which the pilot of the aircraft is allowed to attempt to take off, due to structural or other limits. The analogous term for rockets is Gross Lift-Off Mass, or GLOW...
(MTOW) is 975,000 pounds (442,253 kg). The fifth 747-8F joined the flight-test effort with its first flight on February 3, 2011. On September 30, 2010 Boeing announced a further postponement, with the delivery of the first freighter to Cargolux planned for mid-2011.
The 747-8F received its amended type certificate
Type certificate
A Type Certificate, is awarded by aviation regulating bodies to aerospace manufacturers after it has been established that the particular design of a civil aircraft, engine, or propeller has fulfilled the regulating bodies' current prevailing airworthiness requirements for the safe conduct of...
jointly from the Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
(FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency
European Aviation Safety Agency
The European Aviation Safety Agency is an agency of the European Union with offices in Cologne, Germany, which has been given regulatory and executive tasks in the field of civilian aviation safety. It was created on 15 July 2002, and it reached full functionality in 2008, taking over functions...
(EASA) on August 19, 2011. Freighter deliveries are to begin on September 19, 2011.
The 747-8I passenger variant took to the skies over Everett, Washington for the first time on March 20, 2011. The second 747-8I flew on April 26, 2011. Two 747-8I aircraft are to take part in the 747-8I flight test program.
On September 17, 2011 Cargolux announced that it would not accept the first two 747-8Fs scheduled for delivery on September 19, 2011, and September 21, due to "unresolved contractual issues between Boeing and Cargolux" with the aircraft. The 747-8F's first commercial flight was planned for September 26, 2011 by Cargolux from Luxembourg – Findel Airport to Milan Malpensa Airport
Malpensa Airport
Milano Malpensa Airport "City of Milan" , former "Aeroporto Città di Milano" is Milan's largest airport. It is located 39.97 km northwest of central Milan, Italy...
. After resolving their contractual issues, Boeing handed over the first 747-8F to Cargolux in Everett, Washington on October 12, 2011. The freighter then flew to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and picked up cargo before flying to Luxembourg.
On October 25, 2011 the 747-8I flew to Grantley Adams International Airport
Grantley Adams International Airport
Grantley Adams International Airport , is found in Seawell, Christ Church on the island of Barbados. The former name of the airport was Seawell Airport before being dedicated in honour of the first Premier of Barbados, Sir Grantley Herbert Adams in 1976. The airport's timezone is GMT –4, and is...
in Barbados
Barbados
Barbados is an island country in the Lesser Antilles. It is in length and as much as in width, amounting to . It is situated in the western area of the North Atlantic and 100 kilometres east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea; therein, it is about east of the islands of Saint...
to begin flight testing in the tropical climate
Tropical climate
A tropical climate is a climate of the tropics. In the Köppen climate classification it is a non-arid climate in which all twelve months have mean temperatures above...
of the Caribbean
Caribbean
The Caribbean is a crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north...
to determine its effects on the aircraft. During the previous week on October 17 the Boeing 787 Dreamliner also went to Barbados to perform similar testing.
Design
The 747-8 is a development of the Boeing 747 that takes advantage of improvements in technology and aerodynamics. The two variants of the 747-8 were launched in 2005. Both feature a fuselage stretch of 18.3 ft (5.6 m) over the 747-400, bringing the total length to 250 in 2 in (76.25 m). The 747-8 is the world's longest passenger airlinerAirliner
An airliner is a large fixed-wing aircraft for transporting passengers and cargo. Such aircraft are operated by airlines. Although the definition of an airliner can vary from country to country, an airliner is typically defined as an aircraft intended for carrying multiple passengers in commercial...
, surpassing the Airbus A340-600
Airbus A340
The Airbus A340 is a long-range four-engine wide-body commercial passenger jet airliner. Developed by Airbus Industrie,A consortium of European aerospace companies, Airbus is now fully owned by EADS and since 2001 has been known as Airbus SAS. a consortium of European aerospace companies, which is...
by approximately 3 ft (0.9144 m). With a maximum take-off weight
Maximum Take-Off Weight
The Maximum Takeoff Weight or Maximum Takeoff Mass of an aircraft is the maximum weight at which the pilot of the aircraft is allowed to attempt to take off, due to structural or other limits. The analogous term for rockets is Gross Lift-Off Mass, or GLOW...
of 975000 lb (442,252.6 kg), the 747-8 is the heaviest aircraft, commercial or military, manufactured in the United States.
Compared to the 747-400, the main technical changes have been on the wings, which have undergone a complete design overhaul. The sweep
Swept wing
A swept wing is a wing planform favored for high subsonic jet speeds first investigated by Germany during the Second World War. Since the introduction of the MiG-15 and North American F-86 which demonstrated a decisive superiority over the slower first generation of straight-wing jet fighters...
and basic structure has been kept to contain costs, but the wing is thicker and deeper, with the aerodynamics recalculated. The pressure distribution and bending moment
Bending Moment
A bending moment exists in a structural element when a moment is applied to the element so that the element bends. Moments and torques are measured as a force multiplied by a distance so they have as unit newton-metres , or pound-foot or foot-pound...
s are different, with the new wing for the passenger version holding 64225 US gal (243,118.1 l) of jet fuel, and the cargo aircraft 60925 US gal (230,626.2 l). The new wing will have single-slotted outboard flaps
Flap (aircraft)
Flaps are normally hinged surfaces mounted on the trailing edges of the wings of a fixed-wing aircraft to reduce the speed an aircraft can be safely flown at and to increase the angle of descent for landing without increasing air speed. They shorten takeoff and landing distances as well as...
and double-slotted inboard flaps.
Raked wingtips, similar to the ones used on the 777-200LR, 777-300ER, and 787 aircraft, are used on the new 747 variant instead of winglets used on the 747-400. These wingtip structures help reduce the wingtip vortices
Wingtip vortices
Wingtip vortices are tubes of circulating air that are left behind a wing as it generates lift. One wingtip vortex trails from the tip of each wing. The cores of vortices spin at very high speed and are regions of very low pressure...
at the lateral edges of the wings, decreasing wake turbulence
Wake turbulence
Wake turbulence is turbulence that forms behind an aircraft as it passes through the air. This turbulence includes various components, the most important of which are wing vorticies and jetwash. Jetwash refers simply to the rapidly moving gases expelled from a jet engine; it is extremely turbulent,...
and drag
Drag (physics)
In fluid dynamics, drag refers to forces which act on a solid object in the direction of the relative fluid flow velocity...
, and thereby increasing fuel efficiency. Another effort to reduce weight is the introduction of fly-by-wire technology for the majority of the lateral controls.
Tailplane
A tailplane, also known as horizontal stabilizer , is a small lifting surface located on the tail behind the main lifting surfaces of a fixed-wing aircraft as well as other non-fixed wing aircraft such as helicopters and gyroplanes...
unit to accommodate auxiliary tanks, further saving costs. The -8's vertical tail unit is largely unchanged with a height of 63 in 6 in (19.35 m). Some carbon fiber-reinforced plastic will be part of the 747-8's airframe
Airframe
The airframe of an aircraft is its mechanical structure. It is typically considered to include fuselage, wings and undercarriage and exclude the propulsion system...
to reduce weight. However, structural changes are mostly evolutionary, rather than revolutionary with respect to the 747-400.
The General Electric GEnx
General Electric GEnx
The General Electric GEnx is an advanced dual rotor, axial flow, high-bypass turbofan jet engine in production by GE Aviation for the Boeing 787 and 747-8...
, which is one of the two powerplant choices currently offered for the Boeing 787, is to be the only engine available for the 747-8. However, the 747 variant has been adapted to provide bleed air
Bleed air
Bleed air in gas turbine engines is compressed air taken from within the engine, after the compressor stage and before the fuel is injected in the burners. While in theory bleed air could be drawn in any gas turbine engine, its usage is generally restricted to jet engines used in aircraft...
for conventional aircraft systems and feature a smaller diameter to fit on the 747 wing. The flight tests of the GEnx 2b engine fitted to a Boeing 747-100 aircraft at the left inner engine began in March 2009.
747-8 Freighter
The 747 has proven to be a very popular freighter, carrying around half of the world's air freight . In an effort to maintain this dominant position, Boeing designed a freight variant of the 747-8, named the 747-8 Freighter or 747-8F, which was launched on November 14, 2005. The 747-8F will be the initial model to see entry into service (EIS). As on the 747-400F, the upper deck is shorter than passenger models; the 18 foot stretch is just before and just aft of the wing. With a 975000 lb (442,252.6 kg) maximum take-off weightMaximum Take-Off Weight
The Maximum Takeoff Weight or Maximum Takeoff Mass of an aircraft is the maximum weight at which the pilot of the aircraft is allowed to attempt to take off, due to structural or other limits. The analogous term for rockets is Gross Lift-Off Mass, or GLOW...
, it will have a total payload capability of 308000 lb (139,706.4 kg) and a range of 4390 nmi (8,130.3 km). Four extra pallet spaces will be created on the main deck, with either two extra containers
Unit Load Device
A unit load device , is a pallet or container used to load luggage, freight, and mail on wide-body aircraft and specific narrow-body aircraft. It allows a large quantity of cargo to be bundled into a single unit. Since this leads to fewer units to load, it saves ground crews time and effort and...
and two extra pallet
Pallet
A pallet , sometimes called a skid, is a flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable fashion while being lifted by a forklift, pallet jack, front loader or other jacking device. A pallet is the structural foundation of a unit load which allows handling and storage efficiencies...
s, or three extra pallets, on the lower deck. The 747-8F is expected to achieve a 16% lower ton-mile operating cost than the 747-400F and offer a slightly greater range.
The 747-8F will have more payload capacity but less range than the current 747-400ERF. When Boeing launched the -400ERF, all of the 35000 lb (15,875.7 kg) increase in MTOW
Maximum Take-Off Weight
The Maximum Takeoff Weight or Maximum Takeoff Mass of an aircraft is the maximum weight at which the pilot of the aircraft is allowed to attempt to take off, due to structural or other limits. The analogous term for rockets is Gross Lift-Off Mass, or GLOW...
over the 747-400F 875000–910000 lb (396,893.3–412,769.1 kg) allowed airlines to take off with more fuel, burn it during flight, and land at the same weight as the regular 747-400F. This increased the range of the 747-400ERF compared to the 747-400F. Cargo carriers often move machinery or indivisible loads that require a plane with a higher payload and landing capability. As is common with cargo planes, range is given with maximum payload, not fuel. The 747-8's 65000 lb (29,483.5 kg) MTOW increase has been directed exclusively to its Zero-Fuel weight
Maximum Zero-Fuel Weight
The Zero Fuel Weight of an airplane is the total weight of the airplane and all its contents, minus the total weight of the fuel on board....
or payload capacity. If taking off at maximum payload, the 747-8 takes off with its tanks not full. On trips where the payload is not at maximum, the plane can take on more fuel and extend its range.
Cargolux
Cargolux
Cargolux Airlines International S.A., trading as Cargolux, is a cargo airline with its head office on the grounds of Luxembourg – Findel Airport in Sandweiler, Luxembourg. It is one of the largest scheduled all-cargo airlines in Europe with a global network...
and Nippon Cargo Airlines
Nippon Cargo Airlines
, or NCA, is a cargo airline based in the Onarimon Yusen Building in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It operates scheduled cargo services in Asia and to Europe and the North America. Its main base is Narita International Airport outside Tokyo.- History :...
were the first customers for the 747-8, placing orders for the freighter variant in November 2005. The firm configuration of the aircraft was finalized in October 2006. Major assembly of the aircraft began on August 8, 2008, and the aircraft first left Boeing's Everett factory on November 12, 2009. The first aircraft was delivered on October 12, 2011 to Cargolux.
747-8 Intercontinental
The passenger version, named 747-8 Intercontinental or 747-8I was launched on November 14, 2005. The aircraft will be capable of carrying up to 467 passengers in a 3-class configuration over 8000 nmi (14,816 km) at MachMach number
Mach number is the speed of an object moving through air, or any other fluid substance, divided by the speed of sound as it is in that substance for its particular physical conditions, including those of temperature and pressure...
0.855. The 747-8I will carry 51 more passengers and two more freight pallets
Unit Load Device
A unit load device , is a pallet or container used to load luggage, freight, and mail on wide-body aircraft and specific narrow-body aircraft. It allows a large quantity of cargo to be bundled into a single unit. Since this leads to fewer units to load, it saves ground crews time and effort and...
with 26% more cargo volume than the 747-400. Despite initial plans for a shorter stretch than the freighter model, the two variants will be the same length, increasing passenger capacity and allowing easier modification of the 747-8I to freighter use. The upper deck will be lengthened on the -8I. New engine technology and aerodynamic modifications will allow longer range. Boeing has stated that compared to the 747-400, the -8I will be 30% quieter, 16% more fuel-efficient, and have 13% lower seat-mile costs with nearly the same cost per trip.
For the 747-8, Boeing has proposed some changes to the interior layout of the aircraft. Most noticeable will be the curved stairway to the upper deck and a more spacious main passenger entrance. The 747-8's main cabin uses an interior similar to that of the 787. Overhead bins are curved, and the center row is designed to look as though it is attached to the curved ceiling, rather than integrated into the ceiling's curve like on the 777
Boeing 777
The Boeing 777 is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is the world's largest twinjet and is commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven". The aircraft has seating for over 300 passengers and has a range from , depending on model...
. The windows will also be of similar size to the type used on the 777, which are 8% larger than those on the current 747-400s. The 747-8 will feature a new solid-state
Solid state (electronics)
Solid-state electronics are those circuits or devices built entirely from solid materials and in which the electrons, or other charge carriers, are confined entirely within the solid material...
light-emitting diode
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting...
(LED) lighting system, which can create mood
Mood (psychology)
A mood is a relatively long lasting emotional state. Moods differ from emotions in that they are less specific, less intense, and less likely to be triggered by a particular stimulus or event....
lighting. LED technology also offers improved reliability and lower maintenance costs.
Further down the aircraft, it has been proposed to place cabin-accessible facilities in the "crown" area, the space above the passenger cabin, currently used for air-conditioning ducts and wiring. The wiring and ducts will be moved to the side to create extra space; as a consequence, this area will not have windows. The added space can be used for galleys and crew rest areas, freeing up main deck space for additional passenger seating.
During the initial 747-8 marketing phase, Boeing also proposed creating a revenue-generating "SkyLoft" passenger facility in the crown space. This facility would include "SkySuites", small individual compartments with sliding doors or curtains, featuring beds, seating, and entertainment or business equipment. A common lounge area could also be provided. Boeing also proposed smaller, more modest "SkyBunks". Access to the crown area would be via a separate stairway at the rear of the aircraft. Passengers using the SkySuites, sold at a premium price, would sit in regular economy class
Economy class
__FORCETOC__Economy class, also called coach class , steerage, or standard class, is the lowest class of seating in air travel, rail travel, and sometimes ferry or maritime travel....
seats for take-off and landing, and move to the crown area during flight. However, pricing feasibility studies found the SkyLoft concept difficult to justify. In 2007, Boeing dropped the SkyLoft concept in favor of upper-deck galley storage options, which were favored by the airlines. Outfitting the crown space for sleeping remains an option on VIP aircraft.
The first order for the 747-8 Intercontinental was placed by an undisclosed VIP
Very Important Person
A Very Important Person, or VIP is a person who is accorded special privileges due to his or her status or importance.Examples include celebrities, heads of state/heads of government, major employers, high rollers, politicians, high-level corporate officers, wealthy individuals, or any other...
customer in May 2006, widely believed to be a Middle Eastern head of state. Lufthansa
Lufthansa
Deutsche Lufthansa AG is the flag carrier of Germany and the largest airline in Europe in terms of overall passengers carried. The name of the company is derived from Luft , and Hansa .The airline is the world's fourth-largest airline in terms of overall passengers carried, operating...
became the first airline to order the 747-8 Intercontinental on December 6, 2006. In December 2009, Korean Air announced the order of five 747-8Is. Boeing stated firm configuration for the -8I was reached in November 2007.
Major assembly of the 747-8I began on May 8, 2010. The final body join occurred on October 15, 2010, slightly ahead of the projected schedule. Assembly of first 747-8I was completed in February 2011, before being unveiled at a rollout ceremony in Everett, Washington on February 13, 2011. Deliveries are to begin in late 2011.
On March 7, 2011, it was announced that Air China
Air China
Air China is the flag carrier and one of the major airlines of the People's Republic of China. Based in Beijing Capital International Airport, Air China is the world's 10th largest airline by fleet size. The airline ranked behind its main competitors China Southern Airlines and China Eastern...
had agreed to purchase five 747-8Is, subject to government approval, at a price of $1.54 billion. Air China said it would use the aircraft to increase international service.
Gauntlet ground testing of the -8I, which tests systems by simulating flight conditions, took place on March 12 and 13, 2011. The 747-8I's first flight occurred on March 20, 2011 from Paine Field in Everett, Washington. The second 747-8I first flew the following month.
Presidential aircraft replacement
The U.S. Air Force is seeking to upgrade Air Force OneAir Force One
Air Force One is the official air traffic control call sign of any United States Air Force aircraft carrying the President of the United States. In common parlance the term refers to those Air Force aircraft whose primary mission is to transport the president; however, any U.S. Air Force aircraft...
by replacing the Boeing VC-25
Boeing VC-25
The Boeing VC-25 is the designation of a United States Air Force passenger transportation aircraft, a military version of the Boeing 747 airliner. The A-model is the only variant of the VC-25....
(two heavily modified 747-200Bs). Boeing is reported to be exploring a 747-8 proposal, along with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner variant. In 2010, South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
government sources indicated that the country was considering purchasing the 747-8 to serve as the country's presidential aircraft.
Orders and deliveries
| Date of Initial Order |
Flag | Customer | 747‑8I | 747‑8F | Total | Delivered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargolux Airlines Cargolux Cargolux Airlines International S.A., trading as Cargolux, is a cargo airline with its head office on the grounds of Luxembourg – Findel Airport in Sandweiler, Luxembourg. It is one of the largest scheduled all-cargo airlines in Europe with a global network... |
13 | 13 | 2 | |||
| Nippon Cargo Airlines Nippon Cargo Airlines , or NCA, is a cargo airline based in the Onarimon Yusen Building in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. It operates scheduled cargo services in Asia and to Europe and the North America. Its main base is Narita International Airport outside Tokyo.- History :... |
14 | 14 | ||||
| Business Jet / VIP Boeing Business Jet |-External links:* .* .*... |
9 | 9 | ||||
| Atlas Air Atlas Air Atlas Air, Inc. is an American cargo airline based in Purchase, Harrison, New York. It operates scheduled freight flights on a wet lease basis for some of the world's leading airlines, flying to 101 cities in 46 countries. Its crew bases include: Miami International Airport, New York's John F... |
9 | 9 | 1 | |||
| Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Dubai Aerospace Enterprise is a global aviation corporation. DAE was founded by the Dubai government in 2006 with a $15bn capital base. The company originally had six divisions - DAE Capital, DAE Services, DAE Manufacturing, DAE Airports, DAE Engineering and DAE University... |
10 | 10 | ||||
| Volga-Dnepr Airlines | 5 | 5 | ||||
| Lufthansa Lufthansa Deutsche Lufthansa AG is the flag carrier of Germany and the largest airline in Europe in terms of overall passengers carried. The name of the company is derived from Luft , and Hansa .The airline is the world's fourth-largest airline in terms of overall passengers carried, operating... |
20 | 20 | ||||
| Korean Air Korean Air Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. , operating as Korean Air, is both the flag carrier and the largest airline of South Korea, with global headquarters located in Seoul, South Korea. Korean Air's international passenger division and related subsidiary cargo division together serve 130 cities in 45... |
7 | 7 | ||||
| Cathay Pacific Cathay Pacific Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, with its head office and main hub located at Hong Kong International Airport, although the airline's registered office is on the 33rd floor of One Pacific Place... |
10 | 10 | 3 | |||
| Korean Air Korean Air Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. , operating as Korean Air, is both the flag carrier and the largest airline of South Korea, with global headquarters located in Seoul, South Korea. Korean Air's international passenger division and related subsidiary cargo division together serve 130 cities in 45... |
5 | 5 | ||||
| Arik Air Arik Air Arik Air is a Nigerian airline operating a domestic, regional and international flight network. It is also the national carrier of Sierra Leone. It operates mainly from two hubs at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja... |
2 | 2 | ||||
| GE Capital Aviation Services | 2 | 2 | ||||
| Totals | 36 | 70 | 106 | 6 |
Data through November 8, 2011.
Sales and marketing
The freighter version of the 747-8 has attracted orders from several cargo airlines; the plane has the benefit of similar training and interchangeable parts with the Boeing 747-400Boeing 747-400
The Boeing 747-400 is a major development and the best-selling model of the Boeing 747 family of jet airliners. While retaining the four-engine wide-body layout of its predecessors, the 747-400 embodies numerous technological and structural changes to produce a more efficient airframe...
F. In addition, the 747
Boeing 747
The Boeing 747 is a wide-body commercial airliner and cargo transport, often referred to by its original nickname, Jumbo Jet, or Queen of the Skies. It is among the world's most recognizable aircraft, and was the first wide-body ever produced...
has a long history as a successful cargo aircraft, and remains popular among operators, as it has a larger cargo capacity and a longer range than other freight aircraft.
Compared to the freighter version, the passenger version of the 747-8 has received far fewer orders. Airlines including Emirates
Emirates Airline
Emirates is the airline based in the Emirate of Dubai part of the United Arab Emirates . Based at Dubai International Airport it is the largest airline in the Middle East, operating over 2,400 flights per week, from its hub at Terminal 3, to 111 cities in 62 countries across six continents...
and British Airways
British Airways
British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, based in Waterside, near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport. British Airways is the largest airline in the UK based on fleet size, international flights and international destinations...
considered ordering the 747-8 Intercontinental, but opted to purchase the Airbus A380
Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by the European corporation Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS. It is the largest passenger airliner in the world. Due to its size, many airports had to modify and improve facilities to accommodate it...
instead. The 747-8I has also received several VIP orders from various customers. Boeing Chairman and Chief Executive Jim McNerney acknowledged in a conference call to Boeing's
Boeing
The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001...
investors in April 2008 that he would like to see more orders for the passenger version of the 747-8.
On March 7, 2011, it was announced that Air China
Air China
Air China is the flag carrier and one of the major airlines of the People's Republic of China. Based in Beijing Capital International Airport, Air China is the world's 10th largest airline by fleet size. The airline ranked behind its main competitors China Southern Airlines and China Eastern...
had agreed to purchase five 747-8Is, pending approval by the Chinese government. On June 20, 2011 at the Paris Air Show
Paris Air Show
The Paris Air Show is the world's oldest and largest air show. Established in 1909, it is currently held every odd year at Le Bourget Airport in north Paris, France...
, Boeing announced that it had received two orders and 15 commitments from two different undisclosed users for the -8I. Then GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) agreed to buy two freighters the next day. On October 6, Arik Air
Arik Air
Arik Air is a Nigerian airline operating a domestic, regional and international flight network. It is also the national carrier of Sierra Leone. It operates mainly from two hubs at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja...
was announced as the customer for two 747-8Is; this airline was the unidentified customer that had ordered two aircraft at the Paris Air Show. On November 8, 2011, it was reported that Transaero
Transaero
OJSC Transaero Airlines or simply Transaero is an airline with its head office on the grounds of Domodedovo International Airport, Domodedovsky District, Moscow Oblast, Russia. It operates scheduled and charter flights to more than 99 domestic and international destinations...
had preliminarily agreed to purchase four 747-8Is.
Specifications
| 747-8I | 747-8F | |
|---|---|---|
| Cockpit crew | Two | |
| Seating capacity | 467 (3-class) 581 (2-class) |
N/A |
| Overall length | 250 in 2 in (76.25 m) | |
| Wingspan | 224 in 7 in (68.45 m) | |
| Height | 63 in 6 in (19.35 m) | |
| Cabin width | 20.1 ft (6.1 m) | |
| Maximum take-off weight Maximum Take-Off Weight The Maximum Takeoff Weight or Maximum Takeoff Mass of an aircraft is the maximum weight at which the pilot of the aircraft is allowed to attempt to take off, due to structural or other limits. The analogous term for rockets is Gross Lift-Off Mass, or GLOW... |
975000 lb (442,252.6 kg) | |
| Maximum landing weight Maximum Landing Weight The Maximum Landing Weight is the maximum aircraft gross weight due to design or operational limitations at which an aircraft is permitted to land... |
682000 lb (309,350 kg) | 757000 lb (343,369.4 kg) |
| Maximum zero fuel weight | 642000 lb (291,206.3 kg) | 717000 lb (325,225.7 kg) |
| Maximum structural payload | 171900 lb (77,972.5 kg) | 295800 lb (134,172.6 kg) |
| Maximum fuel capacity | 64055 gallons (242,474.6 l) | 60755 gallons (229,982.7 l) |
| Cruising speed at 35,000 feet |
Mach Mach number Mach number is the speed of an object moving through air, or any other fluid substance, divided by the speed of sound as it is in that substance for its particular physical conditions, including those of temperature and pressure... 0.855 (570 mph, 495 kn, 917 km/h) |
Mach 0.845 (564 mph, 490 kn, 908 km/h) |
| Maximum speed at 35,000 ft |
Mach 0.92 (614 mph, 533 kn, 988 km/h) | |
| Range | (at MTOW) 8000 nmi (14,816 km) with 467 passengers and baggage |
(full load) 4475 nmi (8,287.7 km) with 295800 lb (134,172.6 kg) payload |
| Cargo capacity | 5705 cu ft (161.5 m³) | 30177 cu ft (854.5 m³) |
| Service ceiling | 43000 ft (13,106.4 m) | |
| Engines (4x) | GEnx-2B67 General Electric GEnx The General Electric GEnx is an advanced dual rotor, axial flow, high-bypass turbofan jet engine in production by GE Aviation for the Boeing 787 and 747-8... |
|
| Thrust (4x) | 66500 lbf (295.8 kN) | |
Sources: 747-8 Specifications, 747-8 Airport brochure, 747-8 Airport Compatibility report