Boeing has upgraded the 747, a true workhorse of comercial air lines. I only hope that the new birds will have more leg room and in seat LCD screens on domestic flights. US airlines suck in this respect.
The 747-8 Intercontinental passenger airplane will be stretched 3.6 m (11.7 ft) compared to the 747-400 to accommodate 34 additional seats in a typical three-class configuration. The only jetliner in the 400- to 500-seat category, it will have a range of 14,815 km (8,000 nmi) and will feature the new Boeing Signature Interior.
The Intercontinental will be quieter, produce fewer emissions, and achieve better fuel economy than any competing jetliner. It will offer 21 percent more lower-hold revenue cargo volume than the 747-400 and cost about 8 percent less per seat mile to operate. Compared to the A380, it will offer 22 percent lower trip costs.
The revised jets will hit the streets, er, tarmac in 2009.
[via special agent Kevin and Sci Fi Tech]
