We usually don’t celebrate anniversaries until at least the one year mark. But as we approach six months in service, it’s definitely worth celebrating the accomplishments of the 747-8 Freighter. 14 of the airplanes have been delivered to five customers across the globe. And in every category - from in-service reliability, to fuel burn, to payload capability - the 747-8F is performing as well or better than we predicted.
Cargolux put its 747-8F into service in October 2011.
Cathay Pacific took delivery in November 2011.
Our designers knew the airplane would give our customers double-digit improvements in fuel burn. But the in-service performance numbers show fuel burn is a full percentage point more efficient than we expected. On top of that, the airplane exceeded dispatch reliability targets and is also giving big improvements to airlines in capacity, allowing them to carry 16 percent more revenue-producing freight than the 747-400 Freighter. We also received news this week that the 747-8 is now approved to operate at 200 airports around the world, with London Heathrow Airport being the 200th to get the nod.
Atlas Air’s subsidiary, Global Supply Systems, is operating the 747-8F for British Airways World Cargo.
AirBridgeCargo took its first 747-8F in January of this year.
But the best endorsements for the 747-8F are coming from the pilots who fly them. One told us if you talk to the crews, the biggest problem is getting the smile off their faces. We intend to keep those smiles coming.
Korean Air Cargo took double delivery of a 747-8F and a 777 Freighter in February 2012.
from Randy's Journal
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