Boeing Considering Bigger, Longer-Range Version of 747

Though it has scrapped plans to build a super-jumbo commercial jet called the 747X, Boeing Co. said Friday that it may build a larger version of the 747-400 for longer-distance flights.

The new aircraft would add only eight more seats to the existing 747-400, which seats 416 people in a typical configuration and has a range of about 8,400 miles. But it would enable the plane to fly an additional 775 miles without affecting its speed or cargo capacity.

The Seattle-based aerospace company dropped the planned 747X last month after it received no orders. It said it would instead focus on a smaller commercial jet that can travel at nearly the speed of sound.

Boeing’s chief rival, European consortium Airbus Industrie, has had much more success getting orders for its planned A-380, which could seat as many as 550 people.

Many have seen Boeing’s plans to drop the 747X as a sign it will not directly compete with the A-380. But Boeing spokesman Gary Lesser said Friday that the company could still compete in the super-jumbo market.

Lesser said the company was talking to customers about the longer-range aircraft, which could include many features discussed in plans for the 747X. However, he said it would be premature to say Boeing will definitely build the aircraft.

Separately Friday, Boeing executives and Russian officials unveiled an ambitious plan to cooperate on projects ranging from satellite launches to development of a new regional jetliner.

Boeing Chief Executive Philip Condit and Russian Aerospace Agency chief Yuri Koptev wouldn’t disclose how much money was involved.