By Jack Harty; Photos by Brandon Farris / Published August 4, 2014
Air China’s first Boeing 747-8I appeared in full livery late last week. The new aircraft will help the carrier replace its aging 747-400s.
The 747-8 boasts 467 passengers in a three class configuration which is 51 more than the 747-400 boasts. Additionally, the aircraft is more efficient, has a longer range and larger payload.
Last year, the carrier ordered two Boeing 747-8I aircraft, later deciding to order five more. Air China expects to receive three of these aircraft this year, while the other aircraft will arrive through 2016. The carrier also ordered one Boeing 777-300ER, 20 Boeing 737-800s, and eight Boeing 777-200 freighter aircraft when it placed its top-up order.
The airline will become the second commercial operator of the Boeing 747-8I after customer Lufthansa. The German flag carrier operates 14 of the airplane since launching the type in June 2012. Korean Air will be the third operator, beginning in 2015, with ten on order.
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Contact the author at Jack.Harty@Airchive.com.
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