The Economy

Boeing Books Orders for 17 Intercontinentals at Paris Air Show

June 20, 2011

Orders are valued at $5.4 billion at list prices.

So far, Boeing is flying high at the Paris International Air Show.

The Chicago-based aerospace company said it has received orders and commitments for 17 of its 747-8 Intercontinental jumbo jets.

Placed by two undisclosed customers, the combined deals are valued at $5.4 billion at list prices.

One carrier has committed to 15 of the new passenger version of the 747-8, while another carrier placed an order for two jets, according to Boeing.

Industryweek Com Media News Items 7478 Paris

Boeing's 747-8 Intercontinental touches down at Paris Le Bourget Airport.
"These orders for the 747-8 Intercontinental mark a major milestone for the program and demonstrate the market's need for an airplane of its size and range," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It will play a valuable role in further growing these carriers' long-haul-route networks." The orders bring the total backlog for 747-8 Intercontinentals to 50 firm aircraft, plus five from a commitment from Air China contingent on Chinese government approval, according to Boeing. The total 747-8 backlog, including 76 747-8 freighters, is up to 126, according to the company. The new 747-8 Intercontinental carries 467 passengers in a three-class configuration. With a new wing design and an upgraded flight deck, "the airplane interior incorporates features from the 787 Dreamliner including a new curved, upswept architecture that will give passengers a greater sense of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings," Boeing explained in a news release. Boeing claims that its Intercontinental is more than 10% lighter per seat than the Airbus A380 and consumes 11% less fuel per passenger. See Also: