Posted on 02/14/2011 1:34:22 AM PST by bruinbirdman
Boeing rolled out a new bigger jumbo jet on Sunday almost 42 years to the day since the 747 changed the face of the travel industry.
The 747-8 carries 467 passengers, 51 more than the current 747 range, burns less fuel, has new wings, tail and engines, is more comfortable and is 19 feet longer, says Boeing.
Airlines have given a cool reception to the new plane with Boeing so far picking up only 33 orders from two airlines, Lufthansa and Korean Air Lines.
The first plane off the production line will go to a VIP customer later this year. Boeing is also hoping the new jumbo will replace the Air Force One fleet of 747s used by American presidents to provide a boost for the order book.
The latest member of the jumbo family represents Boeing's challenge to the Airbus A380, the super jumbo capable of carrying 525 passengers.
Production of the 747-8 has been held up by the problems affecting the more technologically-
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
“It looks like the perfect airliner.”
Maybe but it isn’t and won’t. The glorious good ‘ol days of the 747 have passed long time ago.
The future is the 787 and the A380.
But there are more things to come.
The long discussed 737 replacement, the A350, and don’t forget brazilian Ebraer, canadian Bombardier, chinese Comac and russian Irkut/Sukhoi airliners. I think the duopoly will find a end soon at least in the single aisle/narrow body market.
“Ebraer looks small.
Bombardier looks dangerous.
The A380 actually is dangerous.
Comac and Irkut/Sukhoi look like they are from the past.
The 787 is an over sized 747-8 jet.”
Obviously you aren’t much into aerospace :-)
“The 787 is an over sized 747-8 jet.”
787: length 186 ft, wingspan 197 ft
747-8: length 250 ft 2 in, wingspan 224 ft 7 in
Embraer E-Series is replaceing a lot of regional jets. “It looks small.” The only point you’ve scored.
“Bombardier looks dangerous” to Embraer only :-)
The A380 actually is dangerous. It had only 1 serious incident and the plane handled the situation perfect. It’s a good example that FBW is something realy usefull.
Comac and Irkut/Sukhoi look like they are from the past.
?!? Ever had a look on the C-919, the SS-100 or the MS-21 ?!? I’d guess you’ve never seen one. Nice airplanes for a fair price. Well the Comac isn’t what i would buy, but ...
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