Boeing delivered the first 747-8 featuring the aircraft’s new Performance Improvement Package (PIP) Wednesday Dec. 18 to Cathay Pacific Airways.
Cathay Pacific received the 747-8 Freighter equipped with performance-improved GEnx-2B jet engines. The engine is the first aspect of the PIP, which also features Flight Management Computer (FMC) software upgrades and reactivation of the horizontal tank fuel system. Those other improvements are scheduled to enter service later this month and in early 2014, according to a statement from Boeing.
"This is a significant milestone for the 747 program. These upgrades are part of our commitment to continually improve the 747-8 for our customers," said Eric Lindblad, vice president and general manager of the 747 program.
Bruce Dickinson, chief project engineer for the 747-8 program said the performance package improves the aircraft’s efficiency by 1.8 percent, adding 747-8 operators flying with the upgrades will use "roughly 30 less semi-sized trucks of fuel per airplane per year."