Carry on 747

With the lead 747-8 Intercontinental proudly sitting outside its chalet Boeing were able to announce at the Paris Air Show 17 firm orders for an aircraft which in an earlier life first flew in 1969.  No customers were actually disclosed, which seems to be the way of things at the moment (see Bombardier) but one airline is taking 15 whilst the other will receive two.  At the show Air China confirmed a commitment for five of the aircraft which brings the order book up to 126 including 76 of the freighter variant.

The 747-8 is in many ways a completely new aircraft featuring 787-technology GEnx-2B engines.  It is 18ft 4ins longer than the 747-400 and provides for 467 passengers in a typical three-class configuration.

A brief inspection showed that the flight deck crew are very well provided for and essentially self-contained in a secure area.  “Up front” offers bunked sleeping accommodation for two and a separate washroom.  Basic catering facilities are provided.  Behind the cockpit the “bubble” space is huge and it will be interesting to see how Lufthansa, lead customer, treat this area which up to now in its 747s has been normally reserved for First Class.  With the airline’s new policy to offer only accommodation for eight in the prestige class the space available does seem over generous. www.boeing.com/commercial

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