Boeing’s 747-8 Intercontinental: A Virtual Tour and Review

I just flew for the first time on Boeing's new 747-8, specifically Lufthansa IAD to FRA. It is an incredible aircraft and I really can't say enough good things about it. I had a chance to put thoughts down on paper and combine with several dozen photos so here goes....

Boeing's 747-8 Intercontinental: A Virtual Tour and Review
By Jonathan Spira

Boeing's largest airplane, the 747-8 Intercontinental, was officially put into service by launch customer Lufthansa on its Frankfurt-Washington route in June. The brand new jet is bigger, quieter, and more efficient when compared to the first 747 that entered service 42 years earlier.
The new 747-8 Intercontinental uses much of the same technology that is found in the new 787 Dreamliner, an aircraft that began service last December, as well as ….

woderfully informative. thanks

Cool....both First Class interiors are stunning....hmmm, A380 First Class from Houston to Frankfurt or the 747-8i First Class from the US to Frankfurt

Cheers,

Very nice review. After seeing first class, I sure hate being forced to travel in the main cabin!

Excellent write-up.

I am very much looking forward to flying this aircraft (much more so than when the A380 launched).

Oh, and leave it to me to find the typo :

"Undoubtedly, since these are the two biggest passenger aircraft in the skies, comparisons will be made between Lufthansa’s 747-8 and its Airbus A380 fleet.

One major difference between the two is the location of the cockpit. On the Boeing 787-8, it is on the upper deck, where it has been found since the original 747."

Originally Posted by FastMarkA

Excellent write-up.

I am very much looking forward to flying this aircraft (much more so than when the A380 launched).

Danke.

Originally Posted by FastMarkA

Oh, and leave it to me to find the typo :

Great catch. Tens of thousands of people have read it (plus 2 copy editors at the magazine) by the way. Only you saw this.

Originally Posted by JSpira

Great catch. Tens of thousands of people have read it (plus 2 copy editors at the magazine) by the way. Only you saw this.

*Takes a bow.*

Also, Jonathan, do you know if LH installed the humidifier "thingy" in the F cabin of the 74H like the A380, or does the plane itself have enough 787 technology (to simulate a 6K foot altitude) where it's unnecessary?

The few times I've flown the 380, I've been in 2D or 2G, which is right in front of the humidifier, and that thing is somewhat noisy as it clicks on and off throughout the night. Moreover, I still feel groggy when I wake up and look forward to breathing fresh air/being back on the ground.

I was fortunate enough to fly this aircraft FRA-IAD last week, and it is quite spectacular. (I suppose it helps that the airline who operates it (Lufthansa) provides a very nice service.)

Some of the quick highlights:

• It's quiet. I was in the First Class cabin and it seemed as quiet as the A380.
• The lighting is nicely done. I liked the blue glow at "night" and the amber/red for "waking up."
• The First Class seat feels like a BMW or Audi. It's very German with high quality materials, and it matches LH's First Class lounges.
• The cabin pressurization and humidity made me feel better during and after the flight (or this might be mind over matter).

It's an awesome aircraft and I wish more airlines would place some orders.