Firmed Up

Boeing reported that the 747-8 Intercontinental firm configuration has been completed.

Not only does this news dispel some of the rumors that the project is in jeopardy (for now at least), but will likely point the way for more customers to re-examine the type - especially those airlines that have not yet ordered the Airbus A380-800, which entered commercial service last week after a lengthy delay.

Image courtesy of Boeing

The next step for the 747 is to meet its design goals. With Lufthansa as the sole customer for the passenger variant, creating wider appeal is just what the type needs to garner orders in 2008, just as its stablemate, the 747-8F has done.

Geoffrey Thomas over at ATWOnline reports that Emirates may just have convinced Boeing to re-evaluate the longer range, but shorter fuselage 747-8I that was dropped in favor of the same dimensions as the 747-8F.

Image courtesy of Boeing.com

Emirates Vice Chairman Maurice Flanagan said that the “3.6-m. stretch is back on the table and we think other airlines are also interested.”

This news was quickly laid to rest too.

“We’re not going to be working on any different sizes of the airplane” a Boeing spokesman says.

Of particular interest is what Emirates will do or announce at the Dubai Air Show next week.

Between the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350XWB, a decision has been firmed up. You’ll have to wait to see the news…..

Image courtesy of Airbus.com

Also, expect the airline to firm up 777’s and options on the 747-8F. Perhaps Emirates will add to its A380’s too…

1 comment November 7th, 2007