Airlines, and the companies which manufacture their airplanes, are increasingly aware of the call for greener flying machines. They crave aircraft with less commodious carbon footprints. To that end Boeing just rolled out its latest version of its venerable 747 – the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Pat Shanahan, V.P. and general manager of Boeing’s Airplane Programs, contends the 400 to 500-seat craft “will set a new standard in economic and environmental performance, while providing a world-class passenger experience.”
In recent years the 747 has been overshadowed—literally and figuratively—by the larger Airbus A380. The original 747-100 first flew back in 1969, and made its first commercial flight for Pan Am in 1970. That’s 41 years ago.
Boeing says its new behemoth gets 16 percent better fuel economy than the 747-400, produces 16 percent less carbon emissions, and generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400.
As far as comfort and passenger perception, the 747-8 Intercontinental incorporates a number of interior features from the oft-delayed 787 Dreamliner. Look for new “upswept” interior architecture. Boeing says this treatment will give passengers “a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings.”
So far Boeing says 33 747-8 Intercontinentals have been ordered, primarily by Lufthansa and Korean Air. Some VIP customers will also get the latest iteration of this classic airplane.
The German carrier Lufthansa will launch the aircraft’s commercial flights. Nico Buchholz, the airline’s executive v.p. for Group Fleet Management, says the 747-8 Intercontinental will “improve…our fleet’s eco-efficiency even further.”
Carbon emissions from commercial airliners are a significant political issue in Europe.
Story by Jerry Chandler
