Boeing signs orders and commitments for 17 747-8 Intercontinentals

Boeing Company (Chicago) today announced orders and commitments for 17 747-8 Intercontinentals. Placed by two undisclosed customers, the combined deals are valued at $5.4 billion at list prices. One carrier has committed to 15 of the new passenger version of the 747-8 while another carrier placed an order for two.

The orders bring the 747-8 Intercontinental total backlog to 50 firm aircraft, plus five from a commitment from Air China contingent on Chinese Government approval. It also brings the total 747-8 backlog, including 76 747-8 Freighters, to 126.

The new 747-8 Intercontinental carries 467 passengers in a three-class configuration. The airplane features a new wing design and an upgraded flight deck. The airplane interior incorporates features from the 787 Dreamliner including a new curved, upswept architecture that will give passengers a greater sense of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings. The architecture will be accentuated by lighting technology that provides smooth transitions for a more restful flight.

According to Boeing, “using 787-technology GEnx-2B engines, the airplane will be quieter, produce lower emissions and achieve better fuel economy than any competing jetliner. The 747-8 Intercontinental is more than 10 percent lighter per seat than the Airbus A380 and consumes 11 percent less fuel per passenger. That translates into a trip-cost reduction of 21 percent and a seat-mile cost reduction of more than 6 percent compared to the A380.”

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