BOEING says it has finalised the configuration of the 747-8 Intercontinental, which will be the largest aircraft manufactured by the US company when delivered in late 2010.
This development follows the completion of major trade studies into the airplane's performance and marks the clearance of one the last hurdles before the aircraft's production.
"We have designed the 747-8 Intercontinental to be the ideal airplane serving the 400- to 500-seat market between the 777 and the A380," said Michael Teal, deputy chief project engineer for the 747 programme. "The airplane will provide airlines significantly lower operating costs, as well as improved economics and environmental performance compared to the 747-400.
In terms of the airplane's performance, the 747-8 will be 5.6 metres longer than its predecessor, the 747-400 which it replaces and provides 467 seats in a three-class configuration and flies 14,815 kilometres without refuelling stops.
A statement from Boeing said the 747-8 will provide nearly the same trip costs to those on the 747-400, 10 per cent lower seat-mile costs, and 28 per cent greater cargo volume. The 747-8 has also been designed to be 16 per cent more fuel efficient and 30 per cent quieter than its predecessor.
With firm configuration complete, Boeing said in the release that the company and its suppliers can begin detailed design of parts, assemblies and other systems. Detailed designs will then be released to Boeing suppliers and factories to begin production of the aircraft.
"Now our team and partners must concentrate on completing the detailed designs needed to begin production and deliver the airplane on schedule in late 2010."
The 747-8 programme was launched in November 2005 by Cargolux Airlines and Nippon Cargo Airlines. Lufthansa was the first airline to order the 747-8 Intercontinental in December 2006.
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