Boeing is adding upgrades to its 747 jumbo jet in hopes of stimulating lackluster sales that in April forced the plane maker to reduce production.
A 747-8 Intercontinental, Boeing's name for the passenger version, on Monday completed the first test flight of upgraded engines, new software and an additional fuel tank.
The upgraded GEnx-2B engines, made by General Electric, are especially significant. They promise to offer a 1.8 percent gain in fuel efficiency, on top of a 1.5 percent gain the 747-8 series already has achieved since two years ago, said Boeing spokeswoman Joanna Pickup, in a news release.
The tweaks, technically called a “performance improvement package,” are a tactic often used by Boeing to coax more performance from its aircraft.
“These improvements are a part of our commitment to continually improve our great airplanes for our customers,” said Eric Lindblad, vice president and general manager of the 747 program, in a statement.
Improving fuel efficiency by 1.8 percent, he said, saves airlines approximately $1 million per year in fuel for each plane, while reducing the carbon footprint.
The 747-8 series has been struggling to maintain its order book, and this week the aircraft had an order backlog of only 59, and just 26 of those the passenger version. In April, it slowed production to 1.75 planes a month, from 2 a month.
Passenger 747s may encounter even more problems staying viable once Boeing launches the 777-9, a new version of its second-largest jetliner, which will carry about 60 fewer people than the 747 but with a more efficient two engines instead of four.
