This is the one event I didn’t cover as I was out travelling this weekend, and that’s the rollout of the passenger version of the new generation 747 – The 747-8 Intercontinental.
Firstly, lets get to the pictures:
Images (c) The Boeing Company.
Now whilst Boeing have rolled out the new plane – these are destined for a mix of Lufthansa, Korean Air and a mix of private customers.
As it stands – a total of 33 passenger frames.
Now that isn’t a lot considering how many large passeger planes are needed. From above Airbus is attacking with it’s A380 product, and from below – the bigger problem arises – the oncoming A350, and more worryingly – the 777 Series – in particular the 777-300ER series.
Lets do some numbers. The average configuration of a 747-8 will be 400-500 seats. Lufthansa being different, is installing 389 seats.
Considering a 777-300ER can hold 365 passengers in a 3 Class configurations, with two less engines to look after, it’s rather clear.
I stated this much earlier, and I’ll state it again – the 747-8 series will be a brilliant cargo aircraft. As a passenger aircraft, it’s going to be a lame duck unless Boeing can cut deals that are attractive to carriers. And considering Emirates want a third generation 777, and BA plumped for A380’s instead, with Sinagore going down the A380/B777 line as well, there must be questions asked “who is going to buy these frames”
An indication can be given with the orange and red paintwork – with an eye to the East to see if a familiar frame will suit Eastern and Gulf Carriers. And there is work here to be done, with A340’s and B777’s forming the backbones of these fleets – and little interest for a “warmed over frame”.
Maybe I’m wrong and a Chinese carrier will order a bunch at the next Paris Air Show. I’m doubtful thought, and would expect more 777/787 orders to be honest….
