Huge Plane Is Heavier, Thirstier, Later Than Projected

It's not unusual for a new aircraft built with composite technology to have production fall behind schedule. But Boeing's 747-8 is a variation on the 747 theme that dates back more than 40 years, stretched to carry up to 467 passengers. The longer version uses of new wings and engines, but has wound up a year behind schedule, an estimated eight-11 tons overweight, and less fuel-efficient than projected.

The company is pushing positive spin. Spokesman Jim Proulx tells Reuters, "The planes delivered so far have been performing very well in service, about one percent better than we thought. They are giving double-digit (percentage improvements) in fuel burn and are on a path to getting back to catalog commitments in 2014."

"Catalog commitments" refers to the numbers customers expected when they signed on the line. When the early production models weren't hitting their numbers, Cargolux, which was supposed to be the launch customer for the type, refused to accept  initial delivery of the first 747-8 freighter last September.

Boeing VP Randy Tinseth concedes, "As with all new airplanes, we have certainly had our challenges with weight. We are working on reducing these and improving the capabilities."

Since the first deliveries, Boeing has upgraded the max takeoff weight by six tons, which could help it meet the combination of range and payload advertised.

FMI: www.boeing.com