747-8 Intercontinental versus A380

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The 747-8 Intercontinental is structurally more efficient than the A380 based on empty weight per passenger.

Boeing completes body join on first 747-8 Intercontinental

The 747-8 Intercontinental has newer wings

747-8 in final assembly in Everett

The 747-8 Intercontinental has newer engines

GEnx engines installed on the first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental

The 747-8 Intercontinental has newer avionics

The 747-8 Intercontinental occupies a different passenger capacity niche between the 777-300ER and the A380

Boeing will put it to commercial service by 2012 after a long flight test period marred by delays caused by enginners being reassigned to the 787 program and the usual surprises in tests.

It will be a successful and profitable plane by 2025 after 200 orders and deliveries. It will remain the largest commercial freighter and monopolize this sector.

How about the A380?

Qantas A380 in Hamburg with Beluga in background

It will also be a successful airliner with 400 deliveries in 20 years. Its profitability is doubtful within the same 20 year period but will be at the end of its production.

For the A380 to be optimized, its fuselage has to be extended to fully utilize its large wing size. This can only be done if the first version will be profitable.

And then the Blended Body Wings will start coming, maybe with the 777 replacement.

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