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Airlines

Boeing Launches Larger, More-Efficient 747 Jet to Compete with Airbus

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Boeing Co. will introduce a new version of its 747 jumbo jet, the 747-8, which will seat 450 people and be nearly 12 feet longer than the current 747. The new plane, which will use technologies and General Electric Co. engines designed for Boeing's forthcoming 787 airplane, is expected to be quieter and more efficient. Boeing has secured orders for the freighter version of the 747-8 from Cargolux Airlines International SA and Nippon Cargo Airlines, with options for additional planes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 747-8 will seat 450 people, up from 416 in the current model, and be nearly 12 feet longer than the current 747.
  • The freighter version of the 747-8 will be about 18 feet longer than the current freight model, the 747-400.
  • Boeing has secured orders for the freighter version of the 747-8 from Cargolux Airlines International SA and Nippon Cargo Airlines, worth $5 billion at list prices.
  • The passenger version of the 747-8 will be quieter and more efficient due to the use of technologies and General Electric Co. engines designed for Boeing's forthcoming 787 airplane.
  • Analyst Richard Aboulafia believes the 747-8 launch will increase pressure on rival Airbus, which is preparing for its super-jumbo A380 to enter service next year.
  • The A380 can carry between 550 and 800 passengers in a double-decker cabin, and has won 159 firm orders at a list price of $292 million each.

Statistics:

  • The 747-8 will be nearly 12 feet longer than the current 747.
  • The freighter version of the 747-8 will be about 18 feet longer than the current freight model, the 747-400.
  • Boeing has secured orders for the freighter version of the 747-8 worth $5 billion at list prices.
  • The passenger version of the 747-8 will seat 450 people.
  • The A380 can carry between 550 and 800 passengers.
  • Airbus has won 159 firm orders for the A380 at a list price of $292 million each.

Sources:

  • The Boeing Co.
  • Cargolux Airlines International SA
  • Nippon Cargo Airlines
  • General Electric Co.
  • Richard Aboulafia, analyst
  • The Associated Press

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