Boeing rolled out a new jumbo jet yesterday, hoping to revive the glamour surrounding the birth of the 747 over 40 years ago and use it to boost slow sales. The 747-8 Intercontinental will seat 467 passengers, 51 more than the current version of the 747, and burn less fuel while offering passengers more comfort. The 747-8I, listed at $317.5 million, also boasts new wings, a new tail, state-of-the-art engines and a new cockpit. The unveiling came almost 42 years to the day since the maiden flight of the 747, which went on to become the world's most recognized jetliner and transformed the global travel industry.
Boeing has thus far only logged 33 orders for the 747-8 passenger version including just 2 Airlines, LUFTHANSA and KOREAN AIR LINES. The 1st delivery will be to an unnamed VIP customer instead of an Airline late this year, but Boeing has said it is confident of winning new orders as the plane enters service. Boeing said the 1st 747-8I that the public will get to fly on will be delivered to Germany's Lufthansa in 2012.
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