The Boeing 747-8 Freighter is touted as the world’s most efficient freighter, offering 16 percent more cargo capacity, 17 percent lower fuel costs per tonne, and 16 percent lower tonne-mile costs than its predecessor. Cathay Pacific was the first Asia Pacific airline to take possession of the new aircraft, and has become a regular sight at YVR.
The aircraft offers an additional 134 tonnes of volume, that translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets. The operating economics of the 747-8F are considered significantly superior to its A380F competition. With a weight that is 80 tonnes lighter than the A380F, total trip costs are lowered by approximately 21 per cent. Not only do the carriers benefit from this aircraft, neighbouring communities will benefit from a 30 per cent reduction in noise.
The new 747-8 Freighter complements the existing 747-400 freighter family – the air-cargo industry’s standard (the 747 freighter family currently constitutes more than one half of the world’s total freighter capacity). The aircraft also fits within today’s aviation infrastructure and is compatible more than 210 airports worldwide without additional infrastructure changes required.
Manufacturer: Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Country: U.S.A.
Introduction: October 12, 2011 by Cargolux
Crew: Two pilots
Range: 8,130 km
Engine: 4 × General Electric GEnx-2B67; maximum thrust is 296 kN
Height: 19.4 m
Length: 76.3 m
Wingspan: 68.5 m
Wing area: 524.9 m²
Cargo Capacity: 857.8 m³
Maximum payload capacity: 140 tonnes
Maximum Take-off Weight: 442,250 kg
Did You Know? Cargo can be loaded and unloaded on the 747-8F using both the nose and side doors for maximum speed and efficiency.
YVR Connection: Cathay Pacific’s new 747-8 Freighter landed at YVR in late December and will operate three weekly freighter trips between Vancouver and Hong Kong.