Boeing B747-800 is the extended version of B747-400 with longer body with the passenger capacity between B777 and A380, Lufthansa has already ordered B747-800 just to take cover different demands, but for now B747-800 will be more often used for freighter (B747-8F) as the delay and cancellation of A380 caused this.
B747-800 will be the longest commercial airliner (240 ft or 76.4m) than the current longest A340. Unlike A340, B747-800 will be not only the longest airliner but more fuel efficient airliner than B747-400.
Although Boeing Yellowstone project Y3 new generation high capacity long range airliner is unknown. The demand for long range airliner will be questioned as the world economy struggles. It is the only question of the replacement of the current B747-400 is about to retire soon, so maybe the announcement of Y3 new airliner will be too late. Also the biggest problem will be more likely the choice of jet engine GEnx (the same as B787) will be the only engine supplier for 10 years, this will leave British Airways or Qantas the current No.1 B747-400 user impossible without Rolls-Royce Trent engines.
My personal verdict: B747-800 will be VERY popular but only limited to the best freighter choice. Would like rather choosing A380 for the high passenger capacity or B787 and B777 for the medium capacity, not sure any reason to go for B747-800 as the world airlines fear the greatest difficulty for even more tough competitions.
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