Boeing begins assembly on 747-8 passenger jet
Published 12:59 pm Saturday, May 8, 2010
The Boeing Co. has begun assembly of its first 747-8 passenger plane, known as the Intercontinental, the company said Saturday.
Late in the week, mechanics in Everett loaded the 747-8 Intercontinental’s wing panels and spars in the assembly tools. The spar is the internal support structure that runs through the full length of the wing.
“This milestone symbolizes the dedication, focus and hard work that our team, suppliers and customers have invested in designing this wonderful airplane,” said Mo Yahyavi, vice president and general manager of the 747 program.
Deutsche Lufthansa AG was the first airline to order the new, fuel-efficient passenger airplane, contracting for 20 747-8 Intercontinentals, with purchase rights for an additional 20.
“We are very pleased to see that the production on the 747-8 Intercontinental has begun,” said Nico Buchholz, senior vice president, Corporate Fleet of Deutsche Lufthansa AG.
Boeing’s 747-8 Freighter already is in flight testing. The company plans to deliver the first freighter later this year.
The new 747-8 Intercontinental is stretched 18.3 feet from the 747-400 to provide 467 seats — 51 more than its predecessor — in a three-class configuration. Boeing says its 747-8 is 16 percent more fuel efficient and creates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than its predecessor.
Boeing has 108 orders for the 747-8 — 32 for the 747-8 Intercontinental and 76 for the 747-8 Freighter. The first 747-8 Intercontinental is scheduled to deliver in late 2011.
