The 747-8 Intercontinental is the only aircraft in the 400-500 seat market. The aircraft is stretched 18,3 feet from the 747-400 in order to provide 467 seats in a three class configuration. Using 787 technology, the airplane will be quiter, more fuel efficient than any other competing jetliner in use today. Another major advantage is that both the 747-8 Intercontinental and 747-8 Freighter can use the existing infrastructure and ground equipment at most airports worldwide.

The 747-8 Freigher version will be longer than the 747-400F by 18.3 feet (just like the intercontintal version) and will have a maximum structural payload capability of 140 metric tonnes with a range of 4,475 nmi. Besides this the 747-8F features 16 percent more revenue cargo volume than its predecessor. The additional 121 cubic meters of volume means four additional main deck pallets and three additional lower hold pallets can be accomodated.