In either case, does that mean that the frames with all of the improvements and the PIP will now be exceeding guarantees? In either case, hopefully it means that there is a long and healthy life out there for the 8Fs, and perhaps even some room for the 8Is to find a role, especially in the near term.
My understanding is that, with the PIP, we're meeting or exceeding guarantees. And I'm also hearing that, with the notable exception of the Ice Crystal Icing, they are really happy with the airplanes. Fuel burn is much better than the 747-400, reliability has been good, and dispatch reliability is just shy of 99%.
I sure hope your right and the market for the -8/8F picks up. This will likely be the last major program I do before I retire, and I'd really like to see it be successful. Rumor mill says there are some significant new 747 orders in the works, but time will tell.
