Boeing slows 747-8 production rate
Almasalla Travel News – Boeing said Friday it is reducing its 747-8 production rate from 1.75 aircraft to 1.5 per month through 2015, citing lower market demand for large passenger and freighter aircraft.
“This production adjustment better aligns us with near-term demand while stabilizing our production flow, and better positions the program to offer the 747-8’s compelling economics and performance when the market recovers," 747 program VP Eric Lindblad, said.
The manufacturer said it expects long-term average growth in the air cargo market to begin returning in 2014, and forecasts global demand for 760 large airplanes over the next 20 years, valued at $280 billion.
In its first-ever air cargo market forecast issued earlier in October, Airbus said it expects to see demand for 870 factory-built freighters with a market value of about $234 billion over the next 20 years. But it sees the majority of demand for mid-size freighters rather than very large aircraft like the Airbus A380F or the 747-8F.
The first delivery at the new production rate is expected in early 2014.
Source : ATW
