With a price tag of $317 million, there is no doubt that the Boeing 747-8, the newest model of the veteran jumbo jet, is one of the two most expensive passenger planes in the world (some say it is the single most expensive one). Its chief rival for the highest cost title is the Airbus 380, whose cost is measured in similar values. Each one sets its own record: while the Airbus is the largest passenger plane, the Boeing is the longest, now that six meters (19.7 feet) have been added to its original length. Last weekend, the first such aircraft was delivered to the German airline Lufthansa, the first airline in the world to operate a Boeing 747-8. Lufthansa has already ordered 20 planes, to be delivered gradually by 2015. The fact is, this plane looks amazing. It is roomy, impeccably designed and gives off a very current feel. Its passengers, especially in the premium classes, will be spoiled rotten. Lufthansa redesigned all the plane's sections, taking particular pride in the new business section where the seat turns into a flat bed, the television screens were enlarged to 15 inches and the variety of entertainment options is endless. By the way, all the airlines' planes will soon undergo an upgrade so that passengers on all the models, even on the Tel Aviv line, will enjoy similar perks as early as this summer. Every 747-8 has 100 premium seats. The eight first-class seats are isolated in a completely soundproof section, insulated with carpets and curtains made of a unique soundproof material. There are 92 business class seats and 262 economy seats. This ratio clearly favors the premium passengers, pointing to the market Lufthansa is trying to target, as do the destinations chosen to be serviced by the new model: Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, New Delhi and Bangalore. Tickets for flights on the new plane will not be cheap: Flying from Frankfurt to Washington will cost 7,500 euros ($9,813) first class, 4,500 euros ($5,888) business class, and 800 euros ($1,046) in coach. Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr, to his credit, said during a press conference at the new plane's launch that in order to justify the high prices, the company must provide equally high service, if not higher. Externally, the new plane resembles the old familiar jumbo, but only superficially. Some 70 percent of the plane's parts are brand new, including improved engines, which are also present in the 787. The result is a much more environmentally sound aircraft, 30% less noisy than the regular jumbo, emitting fewer pollutants, and, most importantly for the airline, requiring 15% less fuel.
