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7/25/10

Aircraft Industry: Boeing’s next generation 747 to require ‘extra flight tests as A380 approaching ‘profitability’

Boeing's competitor to the huge double-decker A380 is 'probably' going to be delivered late, after schedule was delayed, according to Boeing's Vice President of programs, Pat Shanahan.
Speaking at the Boeing Commercial Airplanes press conference earlier this week, Pat described the world's longest passenger airliner as requiring "enhancements in the flight controls" and "some new flight tests we hadn't originally planned."

The Airbus A380, which entered into service 15 October 2007 has arguably pushed Boeing into making the 747-8 - which like the A380 has larger cabin space and can thereby generate efficiencies by carrying more passengers. However, whilst the Airbus A380 has already entered service and started to gain more orders, worries remain on the 747-8 which has already been moved from 2009 to end of this year.

Airbus meanwhile can boast of 31 aeroplanes in service, with 6 million passengers flown and a growing order, book announced at the Farnborough show was standing at 232, although Airbus need 420 to break-even.

For more: Boeing’s next generation 747 to require ‘extra flight tests’; A380 approaching ‘profitability’ | IBTimes

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