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Boeing unveils new 747-8 passenger plane

Boeing has unveiled a new 747 passenger jet to rival the Airbus A380.The new Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, which measures 250 feet in length, will be the world’s longest passenger jet.

The 747-8 has a capacity of 467 passengers, 51 more than the current 747. It was introduced to an audience of 10,000 in a factory in Everett, Washington, yesterday.

The 747-8 also has 16 percent less carbon emissions per passenger, and a noise footprint that is reduced by 30 percent from its predecessor the 747-400, according to Boeing.

The new 747-8 Intercontinental features the latest in innovative technologies -- applying many of the breakthroughs also found on the 787 Dreamliner," said Jim Albaugh, Boeing Commercial CEO, referring to the carbon-composite plane whose delivery has been delayed by three years.

"We think our customers will value the low operating costs and passengers will enjoy the comfort of the striking new interior," said Albaugh.

The redesigned interior consists of a new curved, upswept architecture that is intended to give passengers a greater sense of space. There's also more room for personal belongings on the new plane.

Reuters reported that the 747-8 is currently listed at US$317.5 million. So far, Boeing has secured 33 orders for the passenger jet, including orders from Lufthansa and Korean Air.

The first delivery will take place in the fourth quarter this year.

The freighter version of the 747-8 has already taken flight and is set for delivery later this year. Boeing has so far won 74 orders for the 747-8 freight.