Cathay waiting for 747-8I service entry before jumbo decision
 

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...cision-364252/

Cathay Pacific will make a decision on an order for new jumbo aircraft only after evaluating the performance of Boeing's 747-8 Intercontinental, which is due to enter into service in 2012.

The company has in the past said it would make a "substantial order" of 10-15 aircraft if it goes ahead. These, and the airline's existing orders for Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A350s, would replace the 21 Boeing 747-400, 11 Airbus A340-300 and some older Airbus A330s in its fleet.

Cathay, however, will not follow the likes of Lufthansa and Korean Air Lines and order both types of aircraft as that would not "make sense" for the airline.

"We would like only one type of aircraft in our fleet as that would be more economical. I don't see how having both would work for us," said Slosar. "By next year, we will get details on the strengths and weaknesses of both aircraft and how they will fit into our route network, and be in a better position to make that decision."

I have a good feeling that sometime next year, CX will order the 747-8I, it would have fleet commonality with the 748F version, and 744 flight crews can transition easily, also the cargo volume is larger than A380, but less than 77W.

Not to mention A380 seems to have non-stop problems. The new one China Southern got has already been grounded after a few months flying, and Airbus sent them a substitute A380 while they take care of the problem. Not good...

Yeah, not even a month and a half and grounded, QF is having problems too (I know more engine stuff) but still it's on an A380.

VH-OQA is still in SIN but, they are undergo to repaired the engines. How much longer when Nancy Bird will be back on the air again.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set...9870307&type=1

The CX facebook link shows off thier new 747-8

Part of their decision is ultimately also based on the performance of this cargo variant.

Wonder what was the long wait at Paine Field before delivery though. I think those yet-to-be-delivered B747-8Fs were sitting there since the start of the year, maybe even through to 2010.

A good friend of mine is an SQ pilot based in SG now flying the 380 after years of doing long haul 777. He tells me the 380 malfunctions "all the time" and has even heard of flap malfunctions. That said, he does like the plane and thinks Airbus will work out the kinks eventually. Personally, I avoid the 380 at all costs though I'm sure the 748 will suffer through some initial teething pains as well.

Who will be the first customer fly 748I?

....you should be able to roughly figure this information out from the Wikipedia page for the 747-8. I believe the first is going to a ME customer for a VIP order. And then, since there are only three airlines who have ordered them (I think Air China has ordered the pax variant as well, but it seems omitted from the Wikipedia list), one of those three (I think Lufthansa) will be the first to get commercial service going

Thanks. Previous I though 748 is for freight only.

There is teething and there is design flaw. I mean 787 is going through some teething issues too, but come one, engine blow outs, engine shut downs, and now flap malfunctions? These are not "teething" but critical flaws that can jeopardize the lives of everyone on board. Not good....

747-8I Seat Count?
 

How many seats do you think a CX 748i could fit in a 4 class config? Initial guesses put this to around 355 seats (F9/J54/Y+40/Y252) with standard configuration, i.e. current F, Cirrus J, 42" Y+, 32" Y.

This, along with other factors (economics, etc.), will decide whether CX buys the 748i. Hopefully, CX will buy this wonderful looking bird (but that's not the most important thing for the beancounters...:mad::td:)

FYI, the current CX 74A (Olympus 744) seats 379 (F9/J46/Y324).

Y+ will be more for J, remember, Y+ more often than not reduce would-be J travelers rather than lure Y travelers paying double price to sit in Y+.

More likely: F4, J40, Y+70, Y230:344

Adjusted Seat Numbers
 

Oh. I always thought that it would be a Y+ and a Y+ only, not a J- (that is, according to this page).

Anyways, if it is indeed a J- called "Premium Economy", then the seat numbers (using a similar ratio to yours) would be F9, J40, Y+64, Y252=365

Not too much different to 77W in seat numbers. Remember that you need to fill up a 748i or a A388 to justify buying a VLA. A 4 class 77W would seat about 274 (F6, J53, Y+40, Y175; the 3 class 77G has even lower Y+ to Y ratio).