Boeing just unveiled its new interior for the B747-8 Intercontinental this week.
The 747-8 applies interior features from the 787 Dreamliner that includes a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings. The interior architecture is accentuated by new lighting technology that creates a perception of airy brightness and provides smooth lighting transitions to offer a more restful environment.A press release about the new interior says that the most noticeable change in this model, compared to the B747-400, is in the area near door two, where passengers normally enter a 747: The welcoming entryway features a dramatic sweeping staircase leading to the upper deck (see photo above).
In addition, the 747-8 integrates features from the 777, including windows that equal those on the 777 (15.3 inches/38.8 centimeters tall and 10.76 inches/27.3 centimeters wide), and are larger than those on the 747-400.
Flight attendants will like this part:
"The new entryway will greatly enhance the passenger appeal and create a strong first impression," said Doug Ackerman, engineering interior team leader for the 747-8. "However, the entryway provides more than just aesthetic appeal. It also was designed to facilitate improved passenger flow during boarding and deplaning."The aircraft, which is 5.6 meters longer than a B747-400, will enter service in 2010. Lufthansa is the first passenger carrier to order the new B747-8. They have ordered an initial 20 aircraft, plus purchase rights for 20 more.
The first 747-8 Freighter will be delivered to Cargolux in late 2009 -- without the luxurious interior, of course.
