The passenger version of the Boeing 747-8 will be stretched by 3.6m and will be able to carry 34 more seats in a three-class configuration with 21 per cent more revenue cargo space than the existing 747-400.
Due to enter service in 2010, it will boost range by 1850km, give a 16 per cent lower fuel burn and 8 per cent lower costs per seat.
More importantly, Boeing says, it will also offer 6 per cent lower seat-mile costs and 29 per cent lower trip costs than the giant A380.
"We've really been able to make some significant breakthroughs in the fuel efficiency on the 747-8 - with the engines, with the aerodynamic improvements, as well as significant improvements in the operating costs," Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice-president of product development, Daniel Mooney, told a recent briefing in Sydney.
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Boeing has a significant issue here. Qantas has already agreed to purchase 12 Airbus A380's with an option for more in the coming years. If Boeing can persuade Qantas to invest in their redesigned 747-8, it could result in even more purchases from the Boeing family. At this point, Qantas is not a single aircraft maker's fleet. Jetstar Australia, which is Qantas' low cost carrier, is currently using Airbus planes but a few months ago, Qantas promised to purchase a large number of Boeing 787's for their LCC, Jetstar.
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