The 747-8I project received a very small boost today with Korean Air plumping for a grand total of 5 frames.
You read that correct. Five. This actually takes KAL up to 12 747-8’s (as they have 7 747-8F’s on order)
KAL say this is to plug the hole between the 777 and the A380, and it’s a logical fit for the between the 300 to 500 seat market.
I’m not overly convinced to be honest. The 747-8I project has really failed to take flight with customers, with everyone looking at twin-jets instead. Only Lufthansa firmly stood their ground and is the launch carrier – with KAL only being the second carrier to buy them (apart from a lot private frames – LH 20 frames, KAL 5 frames, Boeing Business Jet division 7 frames) taking the project to 32 frames in total..
Has Boeing missed the boat with the 747-8I? Possibly. Emirates and Singapore Airlines have voted with their feet and are pushing ahead with A380 deployments, whilst bigger airlines such as Air France have started to push their push to the same platform – with others to follow.
Could this be the momentum for other carriers to purchase the 747-8I? Again, I’m not confident – the 777, 787, A330, A350 and even the A380 are making major inroads to the 747’s market – least of all down to cost. It might be a good fit for Cathay Pacific and JAL (traditional 747 operators) – but for other airlines it may not make that much sense.
Will Boeing develop the 747-8I frame is the other question… or will Boeing develop and sell it as a matter of pride and not as a revenue generator? That’s the real question that’s yet to be answered. I guess we will find out if the first 747-8I rolls out of the Boeing factory in Lufthansa colours…..
