Boeing looking into new 747 aircraft - report

Airline Industry Information, Nov 17, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has reportedly held meetings to talk about two aircraft that could shape the company in the next few decades as it competes with its European rival Airbus for the next generation of passenger and cargo aircraft.

The announcement of a freight version of its 777 aircraft was made on 15 November 2004 and the manufacturer is also said to be considering a new version of its defining 747 jumbo jet aircraft. The 747 Advanced would include the technological advances developed for Boeing's new 7E7 Dreamliner, making it a more fuel efficient version of the aircraft.

Boeing may however have to wait and see whether there is a market for new version of the 747. The company is trying to place it between its own 7E7 aircraft and Airbus' A380 superjumbo, a niche that may be too small to justify the cost. If the go-ahead is given Boeing said that the new 747 Advanced could be ready for service in 2010, reports the Everett Herald.

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