October 16, 2010 - Boeing moved closer this week toward completing assembly of the first 747-8 Intercontinental as mechanics in Everett, Wash., loaded the forward and aft fuselage sections to join with the wing and center section. 

The 747-8 fuselage is 250 feet 2 inches (76.3 meters) long, which is 18 feet 4 inches (5.6 meters) longer than the 747-400. The stretch provides space for 51 additional seats to accommodate 467 passengers in a typical three-class configuration and offers 26 percent more cargo volume. 

"Final body join is an important milestone for the 747 program," said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Airplane Programs in Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

For the 747-8, Boeing has proposed some changes to the interior layout of the aircraft. Most noticeable will be the curved stairway to the upper deck and a more spacious main passenger entrance. The 747-8's main cabin uses an interior similar to that of the 787. Overhead bins are curved, and the center row is designed to look as though it is attached to the curved ceiling, rather than integrated into the ceiling's curve like on the 777. 

The windows will also be of similar size to the type used on the 777, which are 8% larger than those on the current 747-400s. The 747-8 will feature a new solid-state light-emitting diode (LED) lighting system, which can create mood lighting. LED technology also offers improved reliability and lower maintenance costs. 

Further down the aircraft, it has been proposed to place cabin-accessible facilities in the "crown" area, the space above the passenger cabin, currently used for air-conditioning ducts and wiring. The wiring and ducts will be moved to the side to create extra space; as a consequence, this area will not have windows. The added space can be used for galleys and crew rest areas, freeing up main deck space for additional passenger seating. 

During the initial 747-8 marketing phase, Boeing also proposed creating a revenue-generating "SkyLoft" passenger facility in the crown space. This facility would include "SkySuites", small individual compartments with sliding doors or curtains, featuring beds, seating, and entertainment or business equipment. A common lounge area could also be provided. Boeing also proposed smaller, more modest "SkyBunks". 

Access to the crown area would be via a separate stairway at the rear of the aircraft. Passengers using the SkySuites, sold at a premium price, would sit in regular economy class seats for take-off and landing, and move to the crown area during flight. However, pricing feasibility studies found the SkyLoft concept difficult to justify. In 2007, Boeing dropped the SkyLoft concept in favor of upper-deck galley storage options, which were favored by the airlines. Outfitting the crown space for sleeping remains an option on VIP aircraft. 

The first order for the 747-8 Intercontinental was placed by an undisclosed VIP customer in May 2006, widely believed to be a Middle Eastern head of state. Lufthansa became the first airline to order the 747-8 Intercontinental on December 6, 2006. In December 2009, Korean Air announced the order of five 747-8Is. Boeing announced on May 8, 2010, that the company had begun final assembly of the first 747-8I. 

Boeing stated firm configuration for the -8I was reached in November 2007. Major assembly of the -8I began on May 8, 2010. Two 747-8I aircraft are planned to take part in the 747-8I flight test program, the first destined for a VIP customer and the second for Lufthansa. First delivery of the 747-8I is planned for the fourth quarter of 2011.