Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental

The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental (747-8i) typically seats 410 passengers in a three-class configuration. The upper deck is significantly stretched compared to the 747-400, allowing for more premium-class seats. At 76.3 m, it is the longest commercial aircraft ever built, surpassing even the Airbus A340-600 by over 1 meter.

The Boeing 747-8i has a maximum range of approximately 14,320 km (7,730 nautical miles). This is slightly less than the 747-400ER but achieved with 16% better fuel efficiency per passenger. The aircraft uses four General Electric GEnx-2B67 engines, which are quieter and more fuel-efficient than the 747-400's engines.

The 747-8i carries fewer passengers (410 vs 544 in three-class) but is more fuel-efficient per seat than the A380 on most routes. The A380 has a full-length double deck, while the 747-8i retains the partial upper deck. Both aircraft struggled commercially as airlines shifted to smaller, more fuel-efficient twin-engine wide-bodies. The A380 ceased production in 2021, while the 747-8i passenger variant saw its last delivery in 2022 to Korean Air.

The 747-8i can be distinguished from the 747-400 by its longer fuselage, raked wingtips (instead of the 747-400's upward winglets), and GEnx engine nacelles with serrated chevron edges. The stretched upper deck extends further back, and the overall aircraft appears more elongated. The fuselage has a gracefully tapered tail section with a new aerodynamic fairing.

As of 2025, only a handful of airlines still operate the 747-8i in passenger service. Korean Air, Lufthansa, and Air China have been among the final operators. Only 48 passenger 747-8i aircraft were delivered, making it one of the rarest wide-body types. The freighter variant (747-8F) has been far more successful with over 100 deliveries, as the 747's nose-loading capability remains unmatched for cargo operations.