Scheduled To Enter Service In Late 2009

Boeing announced Thursday it completed 50 percent of the design releases for the new 747-8 Freighter. The program has released the 747-8 Freighter's detailed designs to Boeing factories and its suppliers in order to begin building parts, assemblies and tools for the new cargo airplane.

"This design milestone is a tribute to efforts of the 747-8 team, our customers and suppliers," said Ross R. Bogue, vice president and general manager, 747 program and Everett site. "We are now focused on completing the remaining design work and delivering a 747-8 Freighter that increases the 747 family's leadership in the growing cargo market."

Launched in November 2005, the 747-8 Freighter is scheduled to enter service in late 2009 to launch customers Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines. The airplane will be longer than the 747-400 Freighter by 18.3 ft and enjoy a maximum structural payload capability of 154 tons (140 metric tonnes) with a range of more than 4,420 nm.

Boeing notes the upgraded model will also offer 16 percent more revenue cargo volume than its predecessor, allowing the airplane to accommodate four more main-deck pallets and three more lower-hold pallets. Powered by GEnx engines, the 747-8 Freighter will be 17 percent more fuel efficient than the 747-400 Freighter and 30 percent quieter.

"The 747-8 Freighter builds upon the 747-400 Freighter's legendary efficiency," said Bogue. "It will provide nearly equivalent trip costs and 16 percent lower ton-mile costs than its predecessor. The 747-8 Freighter will deliver the lowest ton-mile costs of any freighter, giving cargo operators unmatched profit potential."

The 747-8 Freighter will complement the new 777 Freighter with the ability to transfer cargo directly between the two airplanes. The main-deck cargo doors on both airplanes are sized to accommodate 10-foot-high (three-meter) pallets for easy interlining.

To date, Boeing has secured 78 orders for the new, efficient 747-8 Freighter from 10 leading cargo operators.

FMI: www.boeing.com