747-8 Freighter Builds on Success
Meets Real-World Operational Requirements
The role of the 747 freighter series is no less vital today than before the advent of the A380-800F. The new 747-8 Freighter, with superior efficiency and economics, is the ideal choice to carry on the indispensable responsibilities of 747 freighter series.
Profits in the highly competitive air cargo market often hinge on matching airplane size, performance, and operating costs to specific market requirements. For most cargo operators, no single model of airplane can meet the full spectrum of requirements.
With a selection of 10 models of production and converted freighters, Boeing offers the industry's most complete line of cargo aircraft. Boeing freighters provide more than 90% of global air cargo capacity. In fact, more than half of the world's air cargo capacity is supplied by the various models of new and converted 747 freighters alone.
 The 747-8 Freighter Needs No Introduction
747 freighters are recognized at airports along every major cargo route, trusted by cargo shippers, familiar to maintenance providers, and well-known by freighter pilots. Moreover, the world's current air cargo network is built around the 747, giving the new 747-8 Freighter a commanding head start over any competition. The 747-8 Freighter is excellently positioned to turn profits and earn return on investment in all the world's most lucrative cargo markets, immediately upon entry into service.
Demonstrating their confidence in the 747's operational and revenue advantages, the world's cargo carriers have ordered 92 Boeing 747-400F, -400ERF, and -8 Freighters since the A380 was launched. This compares to only 27 orders for the A380-800Fs as of January 2006. That is nearly a three-and-a-half to one vote of confidence for the 747!
The 747-8 Freighter will be able to use existing airport infrastructure and 90% of existing ground support equipment, including cargo loaders, at more than 200 airports where the 747-400 is already welcome. This alone is a resource that will take billions of dollars of investment and possibly decades for the A380-800F to rival.
The 747-8 Freighter shares 73% common parts and the same pilot type rating with the 747-400 freighters serving 20 operators on 6 continents. All told, the 747-8 Freighter's advantages increase revenue potential for operators, while reducing economic risk for operators and investors alike.
 Airplane Size and Economics Are Right for the Market
The overwhelming majority of new cargo aircraft deliveries over the next 20 years will be in the large (over 65-tonne) freighter category. The immensely successful 747 freighter series dominates that category today. As the latest and most advanced member of the 747 freighter series, 747-8 Freighter enjoys a long list of advantages over competing cargo aircraft.
Longer than the 747-400F by 18.3 feet (5.6 meters), the 747-8 Freighter offers 16% greater revenue cargo volume. Though not as large as the A380-800F, the 747-8 Freighter uses its volume much more efficiently and is much more economical to operate than the triple decker A380-800F.
To gain a slim 7 tonnes more cargo capacity than the 747-8 Freighter, the A380-800F must lug 85 tonnes more operating empty weight into the air, every time it leaves the ground. This is a very poor trade! The A380-800's extra weight consumes 32% more fuel on every trip—that's 26% more fuel per tonne of revenue cargo—compared to the 747-8 Freighter.
 Design Accommodates Easy Loading, High-Yield Shipments
The 747-8 Freighter is the only new freighter that can be loaded "straight in" through its unique nose cargo door. Straight-in loading can reduce loading and unloading times significantly. The nose door also enables loading of long and awkwardly shaped cargo, which can be an important source of premium revenue.
The 747-8 Freighter can also load industry-standard 10-foot-high (3m) pallets through its side doors. This simplifies pallet assembly as well as airplane loading.
The A380-800F, on the other hand, requires three different pallet heights on its three decks. This complicates pallet assembly and airplane load and balance issues.
The 747-8 is designed to accommodate a maximum cargo density of 10-lb/ft3 (160-kg/m3). This easily meets today's typical market density of about 9.5 lb/ft3 (152-kg/m3).
The A380-800F is designed for a maximum cargo density of only 8.2 lb/ft3 (131-kg/m3). Operators of the A380 will be forced to fill the airplane with below-market-density loads in order to use the full volume of the aircraft. To fly typical market-density loads, operators will be forced to leave revenue cargo volume empty.
The 747-8 Freighter's unique capabilities and operational advantages make it a valuable asset for operators in high-capacity and long-distance air cargo markets. The 747-8 Freighter's ability to use existing airports and ground support equipment helps ensure easy placement and resale, sustaining high residual value.
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