Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Aircraft Debuts
On February 13, Boeing unveiled a new passenger airplane – the
extra spacious Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, which is characterized by
low operating costs and better economic performance in the class of
large passenger aircraft, as well as high environmental performance. The
747-8 is the largest 747 version, the largest commercial aircraft built
in the United States, and the longest passenger aircraft in the world.
The 747-8 is offered in two main variants: the 747-8 Intercontinental (747-8I) for passengers and the 747-8 Freighter (747-8F) for cargo. The first 747-8F performed the model's maiden flight on February 8, 2010. Delivery of the first freighter aircraft has been postponed multiple times and is now expected in mid-2011; passenger model deliveries are to begin in late 2011 or early 2012. In December 2010, orders for the 747-8 totaled 107, including 74 of the freighter version, and 33 of the passenger version.
