Boeing shows off its new eco-friendly intercontinental jetliner

The new intercontinental jetliner from aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing was unveiled with much boasting Sunday.

The new arrival in Boeing’s stable is claimed to be the only high-capacity long-haul jet with lower operating costs as well as what the company calls ‘enhanced environmental performance. The successor to the workhorse 747-400, the 747-8 Intercontinental will have a lower seat-mile cost than any other long-haul commercial jetliner, saving 12 per cent on its predecessor.

The 747-8 also provides a 16 percent increase in fuel economy, a 30 per cent lower noise footprint and 16 per cent less carbon emissions than the 747-400. Improved comfort for passengers is in the front line as well, with interior design concepts borrowed from the 787 Dreamliner including upswept, curving and much sexier architecture,  giving an airier feel and more room for cabin baggage and personal belongings.

The prototype unveiled Sunday was a startling red and orange departure from Boeing’s normal boring blue, although the bright colours will only appear on the first of the fleet to be completed. According to the company, the livery is in honour of a number of Boeing’s key customers, whose Asian cultures traditionally regard the colours as symbolising good luck and prosperity.

As many as 10,000 guests including the company’s employees, favoured customers, suppliers, government officials and partners gathered at Boeing’s Washington headquarters to welcome the new plane. Lufthansa, Korean Air and ‘VIP customers’ are already on the order books, with the first delivery of the Intercontinental 747-8 due at the end of this year.