747-8 to be unveiled Sunday 13/2/11

[Darren Wheeler]

If this report is anything to go by

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12444433

Diversion from more bad Dreamliner news??

It looks really impressive, I like

I am so pleased that they are keeping the 747 project going, it is such an icon for aviation, it would be so sad if it ever gets to the stage where there are no 747s being made.

From a fleet perspective, Virgin would probably be more sensible to get an order in for these. An extra 50 seats and less fuel burn would surely fit the bill better (also taking into account the crew commonality) than the A380?

From a fleet perspective, Virgin would probably be more sensible to get an order in for these. An extra 50 seats and less fuel burn would surely fit the bill better (also taking into account the crew commonality) than the A380?

Agree!

I like the A380 BUT I prefer 747. The new design from the 8 look great, I really like it.

[Darren Wheeler]

There is a video too

http://www.newairplane.com/747/incredible/

It's 43 minutes long so I wouldn't recommend watching over a 3G device.

... or an Apple device as it's a flash video!

Now that would be a nice bubble to be in!

I am so pleased that they are keeping the 747 project going, it is such an icon for aviation, it would be so sad if it ever gets to the stage where there are no 747s being made.

Couldn't agree more Its an icon, and I am sure they will be updating Air Force one soon.

However I do hope Virgin will be including this in the new fleet

That upper deck looks amazing!

Platinum Leo

I for one don't understand the point of the passenger 748, it's more expensive to run that an A380, it's based on a 40+ year old design, and at 400 seats it's eclipsed even by Boeing's own 777-300ER. Hence why only two customers have ordered it and only 33 have been sold since 2006 when it was announced.

Yes it is iconic, but at the current rate of sale it's going to be a big fat dud. Airlines needing 400+ seat planes can look at more advanced options and most have already voted.

... it would be so sad if it ever gets to the stage where there are no 747s being made ...

All good things pass for a reason.

However I do hope Virgin will be including this in the new fleet

Why? An A380 is a much more advanced, economical plane and frankly is leagues more comfortable to fly in.

From a fleet perspective, Virgin would probably be more sensible to get an order in for these. An extra 50 seats and less fuel burn would surely fit the bill better (also taking into account the crew commonality) than the A380?

Better than what? The fuel burn per passenger on an A380 beats the 748 easily. The flight deck of an A380 has commonality with an A346 too. Oh, and the small matter that VS has already ordered the A380 and presumably paid something in deposit.

The A-zone looks much bigger! Looks much more airy and more space around heads.

ISTBC but hasn't SRB expressed interest in the 747-8? (though I know it means nothing in the real world, business class only flights? )

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Why? An A380 is a much more advanced, economical plane and frankly is leagues more comfortable to fly in.

Better than what? The fuel burn per passenger on an A380 beats the 748 easily. The flight deck of an A380 has commonality with an A346 too. Oh, and the small matter that VS has already ordered the A380 and presumably paid something in deposit.

OK your points are very valid and I do agree, the earlier the better on the a380, however we have what another 4 years till the a380 enters service.

How many years till 787....

The 330's dont have upper, 3 of which are being leased.

So wouldn't 748 be worthy of the fleet... for now?

Just a thought.

Platinum Leo