The Boeing 747 assembly line has been thrown a substantial lifeline with a major order from UPS. The freight service has ordered 14 new 747-8 freighters and taken options for 14 more as part of its international fleet modernization. It's the biggest 747 order since Lufthansa bought 20 in 2006. There have been steady predictions from analysts about the end of the line for the first jumbo jet and the UPS order is considered a respite rather than a rescue, especially for passenger versions of the aircraft. Airlines are flocking to new twin-aisle, twin engine aircraft for their long-haul operations and retiring their 400 series and older 747s.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/business-military/ups-orders-up-to-28-747s