Boeing today announced that they had secured 17 more orders for the 747-8 Intercontinental, the latest version of the iconic jumbo jet made by the Chicago-based company.
Boeing 747-8I touches dowb at Le Bourget Airport for the Paris Air Show 2011. (Photo by Boeing)
The massive aerospace manufacturer has yet to unveil the identities of the buyers – however they did say that one of two buyers was responsible for 15 of the purchases.
The 747-8 Intercontinental is the passenger version of the new 747-8 series. In a 3-class configuration, the 747-8I holds 467 passengers. With a brand new wing design, upgraded flight deck and lighter materials, the new plane promises to be 11 percent more fuel efficient per passenger than the Airbus A380, according to Boeing.
The order comes at a pivotal point in the 747-8 Intercontinental program. While the plane promises increased fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, delays and other complications have held the order total at 33, until today. These 17 new orders bring the total orders for the passenger version to 50 – no small feat for a large airplane in a slumping economy.
Boeing also stated they had five more orders from the state-run Air China pending Chinese Governmental approval.
