View Full Version : Boeing rethinks 74-8
Tank2Engine
3rd Feb 2009, 19:04
Interesting article on Air Cargo Newshere. (http://www.worldaircargoevents.com/news_detail.aspx?footer=1&news_id=833)
With relatively low sales of the passenger version, one option is to make the 747-8 a standalone freighter but if cargo demand continues to fall further it may end up being scrapped completely.:ouch:
I hear that too...
The 400 has already become yesterday's 200. The first CV 400s are at the 100,000 hour mark... time flies...........
Tank2Engine
4th Feb 2009, 15:56
True, but are those 106 Freighter orders enough to keep the program viable? And if so, then what's all the fuss about?
Despite its more healthy orderbook, the -8F could also need to re-examining. The cargo industry is in the middle of a slump because of the downturn, and industry sources say several -8F customers are seeking to delay deliveries.
All in all, not a very positive development I guess.
T2E
EASY 69
4th Feb 2009, 20:47
I'd love to be a customer when Boeing 748F team gives a presentation, immediatley followed by the 744F conversion team. I bet you could play them off against each other all day. Only one winner in my opinion though!
GlueBall
5th Feb 2009, 10:57
The cargo slump is here and now; in 2009! But come mid 2010, airlines will be scrambling for new freighters to manage an unprecedented growth of air cargo. But not only because of the end of the recession cycle, but more so because of the population bomb. Ever more people wanting more things delivered next day, from perishables to durables to junk. Just as before. :ok:
because of the population bomb
Yes Glueball - that alone should do it, but I believe that 2010 may be perhaps too optimistic.
Also, the much cheaper maritime industry continues to encroach on airfreight. The new generation's of maritime fleet shipping will soon claim HKG to California travel time in as little as about 5 days.
ray cosmic
5th Feb 2009, 20:05
What if this is just Boeing powerplay in order not to have companies running in trying to get the best deal possible; like Ryanair are obviously are trying with the 737-800 and A320? Maybe they just want to maintain prices and not spoil the prices on their prize horse?
The new generation's of maritime fleet shipping will soon claim HKG to California travel time in as little as about 5 days.
No argument about improved maritime shipping, however...HKG to west coast in five days?
A tad optimistic, me thinks.:}
acmi48
6th Feb 2009, 00:17
especially if your shipping route is via the somalia coast....
shipping is a risky business these days- fly air cargo and get your
goods this year
Mikeb744
6th Feb 2009, 00:55
They will be interesting to trim :)!
5 Extra Pallets positions past the rear door!
3x Up top 2x Down
CargoOne
8th Feb 2009, 10:06
CommitedToStay
Nonetheless, they got some 106 firm orders for the 747-8F. (different article)
106 is a total number of orders for 747-8, that includes 28 pax aircraft and 78 freighters.
I understood last Friday Boeing has announced 747-8I (pax) programme will be scrapped, freighter to be continued. Lufthansa should be very happy :eek:
FlyLowCost
8th Feb 2009, 10:14
In the worst scenario Boeing could manage to move the B747/800F orders to the B777/200F. However this scenario means for the next future no more nose-door cargo freighter.
BOEING777X
8th Feb 2009, 10:24
I understood last Friday Boeing has announced 747-8I (pax) programme will be scrapped, freighter to be continued.
Not true (http://www.fleetbuzzeditorial.com/2009/02/03/boeing747/).
And from Boeing's internal email:
You may have seen an e-mail circulating a supposed news story "reporting" that the 747-8 Intercontinental is being cancelled.
The story is a pure fabrication; Boeing has made no such announcement.
CargoOne
8th Feb 2009, 10:51
BOEING777X
The story you posted a link on is not really reassuring regarding pax version, it is rather full of politically correct words which are usually used when you need to hide the truth for a while. And the story is a week old now.
The story is a pure fabrication; Boeing has made no such announcement (yet). :}
BOEING777X
8th Feb 2009, 11:01
...it is rather full of politically correct words which are usually used when you need to hide the truth for a while.
Of course, Airbus made similar statements when the A380F was effectively dropped when UPS/FedEx cancelled their orders. Its likely the phraseology is geared towards the SEC etc rather than mass media which is happy to feed in a frenzy off an email with no validity.
:)
GlueBall
9th Feb 2009, 09:03
The B744F nor the B748F are valid comparisons with the B772F/(B773F . . ?), neither by volume nor by payload-range.
FlyLowCost
9th Feb 2009, 09:41
GB I know it, but if for any reason Boeing cancels the B748F project the only valid alternative today is the B777F, since I don't think someone would buy again B744ERF.
BOEING777X
9th Feb 2009, 10:03
^
Neither 747-400F or -400ERF are available for sale any longer, quite sure that thats been the case for a while now.
BOEING777X
13th Feb 2009, 06:27
Boeing's Chief Engineer on the 747, Michael Teal believes the airplane has another 40 more years ahead of it.
I talked with him in Seattle and he revealed some interesting insight (http://www.fleetbuzzeditorial.com/2009/02/13/747progress) into the 747-8 program.