Boeing Unveils New 747 Intercontinental Jet

Boeing (BA) unveiled the new 747-8 Intercontinental jet Sunday, which can seat as many as 500 people.

The new plane has 12% lower costs per seat than the 747-400, Boeing said in a statement. The plane will also emit 16% less carbon.

"As the only airplane in the 400 to 500-seat market, the 747-8 Intercontinental will give operators an airplane perfectly suited for long, heavily traveled routes around the world," said Pat Shanahan, vice president of airplane programs with Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The company has already received orders for a total of 33 of the 747-8 jets, from customers including Korean Air and Lufthansa. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter.

"We think our customers will value the low operating costs and passengers will enjoy the comfort of the striking new interior," said Boeing CEO Jim Albaugh.