Airplane maker Boeing announced that it will cut the production rate of its 747-8 program from 1.75 airplanes to 1.5 airplanes per month...
This is the second production cut this year, after one in April in which the production rate for the program was reduced from two airplanes to 1.75 airplanes per month.
"This production adjustment better aligns us with near-term demand while stabilizing our production flow, and better positions the program to offer the 747-8's compelling economics and performance when the market recovers," said Eric Lindblad, vice president and general manager, 747 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Although we are making a small adjustment to our production rate, it doesn't change our confidence in the 747-8 or our commitment to the program."
The company expects long-term average growth in the air cargo market to begin returning in 2014, and forecasts global demand for 760 large airplanes (such as the 747-8) over the next 20 years, valued at $280 billion.
The 747-8 family provides airlines with improvements in fuel efficiency, operating costs and emissions.
The 747-8 Freighter give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. It is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet and 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than the 747-400 Freighter.
The 747-8 Intercontinental have the lowest seat-mile cost of any large commercial jetliner, with double-digit improvements in fuel economy and carbon emissions per passenger, while generating 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400.
To date, the 747-8 has accumulated 107 orders for passenger and cargo versions, 56 of which have been delivered.
The 747-8 Freighter will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter airplane while providing enhanced environmental performance. It is 250 feet, 2 inches (76.3 m) long, which is 18 feet and 4 inches (5.6 m) longer than the 747-400 Freighter. The 747-8 Intercontinental will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any large commercial jetliner, with double-digit improvements in fuel economy and carbon emissions per passenger, while generating 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400.
The first delivery at the new production rate is expected in early 2014. The production rate change is not expected to have a significant financial impact.
