Boeing unveils giant new passenger aircraft
EVERETT, Wash. - It was a big day for a really big plane at the Boeing Co. plant in Everett as the company unveiled its latest passenger version of the 747 - and it could possibly be the last.
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With the build-up of a rock concert, Boeing's latest star took center stage - the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Thousands of workers, their families and guests rushed to get a feel of the company's newest and biggest commercial airplane, able to hold nearly 470 passengers.
Ferrell Brevik proudly pointed out to his wife his work on the 747. "We put the wings on the 44 section," he said.
His wife, like so many others, was wowed by the size of the aircraft.
"He comes home, and he tells me all these different things, and it's like, how do you picture it? It's like trying to describe how big this place is," says Debbie Brevik. "Until you're in it, you really can't see it."
Many were probably expecting this first 747-8 to have the standard Boeing blue paint job. But the company says it specifically went with the powerful red-orange combination - colors meant to represent positivity and prosperity.
Boeing says the first test flight should happen in early spring.
One year ago, the freighter version of the 747-8 took off. It's been selling well. But so far, there are just over 30 orders for the passenger version.
Lufthansa and Korean Air are expected to start flying them next year.
Boeing officials remain optimistic - insisting the airline market is getting stronger, eager for this airplane.
"It carries more people, it carries more cargo, it flies further, it flies faster, and I think it's much more economical than its ever been," said Elizabeth Lund, vice president and 747 program manager. "And I really do think it will revolutionize the industry once again."
Boeing workers are also cheering for more orders.
"The freighter seems to be the biggest market for the 747 now with the triple-7," said Boeing worker Paul Gunderson. "But I think, I'm hoping this is a big success."
Boeing says with more fuel efficient General Electric engines that produce less noise - along with big changes to the interior - there's a lot to like to about the Intercontinental.
• More photos »
With the build-up of a rock concert, Boeing's latest star took center stage - the 747-8 Intercontinental.
Thousands of workers, their families and guests rushed to get a feel of the company's newest and biggest commercial airplane, able to hold nearly 470 passengers.
Ferrell Brevik proudly pointed out to his wife his work on the 747. "We put the wings on the 44 section," he said.
His wife, like so many others, was wowed by the size of the aircraft.
"He comes home, and he tells me all these different things, and it's like, how do you picture it? It's like trying to describe how big this place is," says Debbie Brevik. "Until you're in it, you really can't see it."
Many were probably expecting this first 747-8 to have the standard Boeing blue paint job. But the company says it specifically went with the powerful red-orange combination - colors meant to represent positivity and prosperity.
Boeing says the first test flight should happen in early spring.
One year ago, the freighter version of the 747-8 took off. It's been selling well. But so far, there are just over 30 orders for the passenger version.
Lufthansa and Korean Air are expected to start flying them next year.
Boeing officials remain optimistic - insisting the airline market is getting stronger, eager for this airplane.
"It carries more people, it carries more cargo, it flies further, it flies faster, and I think it's much more economical than its ever been," said Elizabeth Lund, vice president and 747 program manager. "And I really do think it will revolutionize the industry once again."
Boeing workers are also cheering for more orders.
"The freighter seems to be the biggest market for the 747 now with the triple-7," said Boeing worker Paul Gunderson. "But I think, I'm hoping this is a big success."
Boeing says with more fuel efficient General Electric engines that produce less noise - along with big changes to the interior - there's a lot to like to about the Intercontinental.
