9 APRIL 2012

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Article from BTNews 9 APRIL 2012

Boeing v Airbus

Around now for over 40 years but still coming down the production line Boeing is beating about the drum for the 747.  Last week Heathrow Airport became the 200th airport to receive regulatory approval for 747-8 operations.

In what is clearly a dig at rival Airbus, Boeing says that the (all) new 747-8 is the only aircraft above 400 seats approved to serve as many airports.

The freighter variant entered service in October 2011 with launch customer Cargolux.  Boeing now has delivered 14 to five airlines (Cargolux, Cathay Pacific, Atlas, AirBridgeCargo and Korean Airlines).  To date, 63 airports around the world are supporting revenue flights from these aircraft.  The intial passenger variant, with 398 seats, is expected to be delivered later this month to Lufthansa.  Hopefully this will be without the embarrassment of the first aircraft which Cargolux turned down, Boeing citing "unresolved issues" with the airline.  All now seems fine with the airline.  Qatar Airways has a 35% shareholding making it the second largest shareholder after Luxair (43.4%). www.boeing.com/commercial

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