Why Is Boeing Continuing With The 747-8i?

Question

The Airbus equivalent, the A380, is both larger and has longer range, couldn't Boeing just continue with the 747-8F instead of continuing with the 747-8i?

They could improve the 747-8F with the money saved from discontinuing the 747-8i, making it harder for Airbus to create (if any) a competitor to the 747-8F.

Answer 1

"larger" - which limits the 380 to only a few airports which have had to make major reconstruction work.

"longer range" - 777 can compete in that sense.

Edit:

what's with all the thumbs down? Idiots

Answer 2

they're going ahead with it because, well, its already too late, production plants are already firing up.

Boeing is sowing more fields just in case with the F and the i models.

the A380 is far too large, a new aircraft, a new concept, with new technology requiring new training of pilots and maintenance and parts. not to mention adapting existing airports.

the 747-8 will be based on existing 747s, which means not much new pilot training or maintenance training. More airports can accommodate it and it is supposedly more efficient than the A380 passenger/mile-wise

here's the fact:

http://boeing.com/commercial/747family/7...

they could improve the F version, but why? there is only a few freight airlines that are going to buy it anyways. as for airbus competitors, the most likely at the present is the A380 freighter version and the A400 military cargo plane.

I would rather use a 747-8 than a A380. setting aside the fact that I like Boeing more, the 747 is more convenient and since it uses proven technology, it is less likely to present future problems.

I don't get why many answerer started talking about 777s, but I might as well pitch in.

777s have the two important things that make a commercial airplane a good one.

efficiency and range.

it has the range to go just about from any major city to another. and it can do so efficiently too.

Answer 3

They believe they can make money by selling it. It's as simple as that. They're in the business of making as much money as they can.

Answer 4

The manufacturing of aircraft is much more complicated than is apparent. Boeing apparently feels that what they are doing is appropriate and it is their money that they are laying on the line. If you are a stockholder, ask the question at the annual stockholders meeting.

Regards,

Dan

Answer 5

Not b/c Airbis is better, but the 777 is just as well and getting better too.

Answer 6

to DS Avation Servces. the Boeing 747-800 has a range of 14,815 km at 970,000 Lbs . The Airbus A380 has a range of 15,200 km at 1,235,000 lbs and the A380 can use any airport that a 747 can. heres the prof (The A380 was designed to fit within an 80 × 80 m airport gate,[84] and can land or take off on any runway that can accommodate a Boeing 747.). but Boeing is doing a good move even tho i am a A380 fan . the Boeing's 747 is a very good aircraft so why not improve on a already great plan and make it even more butter the F model is going to beat the A380F

Answer 7

to be honest with you. I have no idea

Answer 8

spotter

Answer 9

Its because it makes more sense to continue with the two models, even if the passenger version is having horrid sales right now, this is because, an Airline who wants a passenger and a cargo plane, and is interested in commonality will go for the 747-8i/f, but if Boeing only develops the f version, they'll have lost a customer to the A380.

Its too late for them to discontinue the 747-8i now, parts are already being proudced, but if they don't sell anymore, they'll likely be at a loss cus the freight version, can't carry the weight of the entire program.