The 747-8 compared to the 747-400
The 747-8 differs from the 747-400 in weight, length, wing and engines.
The 747-8 is externally similar to the 747-400, but it has a higher gross weight, a longer fuselage, a new higher-aspect-ratio wing, and new higher-bypass-ratio engines. The 747-8 also incorporates advanced alloys, updated systems, and improved aerodynamic efficiency for better cruise, takeoff, and landing performance.
Boeing designed the newest 747-8 model to have as much commonality as possible with the 747-400 while also incorporating advanced technology from the 787. For example, the 747-8 and 747-400 have the same type rating and ground-support equipment. Flight handling characteristics of the 747-8 are also very similar to the 747-400.
More in Everything About the 747-8
Everything about the Boeing 747-8
A guide to the Boeing 747-8 — its new wing, GEnx-2B engines, flight deck, cabin and freighter capacity. Production ended in 2023.
747 Timeline
A Boeing 747 chronology from the 1963 design study to the final delivery in January 2023, with rollout, first flight and delivery dates.
Fun Facts from Boeing
Boeing 747 facts and figures — six million parts, the largest building on Earth, 1,088 people on one flight, and 1,574 aircraft built over 54 years.
747-8-environmental-factors
The 747-8 meets or exceeds emissions limits for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, smoke and nitrogen oxides, with a smaller noise footprint.
747-8 Improved Flying Experience
The 747-8's new wing and engines cut carbon emissions by about 16 percent per seat while improving cruise performance.
747-8 New wing design
The 747-8 wing uses advanced airfoils and raked wingtips for better fuel burn and lower noise than the 747-400 wing.