@ Frankfurt, Germany
March 2022
It was nice to be back at a European airport and be surrounded by 747 aircraft. Lufthansa operates 19 of these newer -8I (Intercontinental) models, along with eight of the older 747-400 aircraft. First flown in 2010, the 747-8 is the third generation of the 747, with a lengthened fuselage, redesigned wings, new engines, and improved efficiency. Intended to fill a niche between the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777-300ER, demand for the 747-8I has been chiefly for the 747-8F (Freighter), which accounts for the majority of 747-8 aircraft ordered. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) serves as the main hub for Lufthansa and is the busiest German airport and the 4th busiest European airport.