First Look Inside the Boeing 747-8 Airplane

The 747-8 is the largest and newest 747 version, the longest passenger aircraft in the world.  The 747-8 is offered in two main variants: the 747-8 Intercontinental (747-8I) for passengers and the 747-8 Freighter (747-8F) for cargo. he aircraft will be capable of carrying up to 467 passengers in a 3-class configuration over 8,000 nmi (15,000 km) at Mach 0.855.

The 747-8 Intercontinental will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any large commercial jetliner, with 12 per cent lower costs than its predecessor, the 747-400.

The airplane provides 16 per cent better fuel economy, 16 per cent less carbon emissions per passenger and generates a 30 per cent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400.

The 747-8 applies interior features from the 787 Dreamliner that includes a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort. 

The entrance to the plane has a wide-open foyer area that includes a curved staircase to the upper deck.

Korean Air has joined launch customer Lufthansa in ordering a total of 33 747-8 Intercontinentals.

First delivery of the 747-8 Intercontinental is scheduled for the fourth quarter. Air China also has agreed to order five Intercontinentals, pending government approval.

The Boeing design concept for the 747-8 VIP, showing view from the top of the spiral staircase, with the dining area and a ladder extending to library shelves.

Design concept for the 747-8 VIP showing a dining area with a spiral staircase and vaulted ceilings.