Boeing in talks with Emirates over sale of 747-8

[TOULOUSE] Boeing Co is talking to Emirates, the world's biggest operator of the Airbus A380 superjumbo, about a potential sale of its rival 747-8, in what would be a major boost for a programme that's struggled to gain customers.

Emirates' need for better fuel burn on its largest jets has opened a window of opportunity for Boeing, which has begun discussions about the 747-8, said John Wojick, senior vice- president for sales and marketing at the Chicago-based manufacturer's commercial aeroplane unit.

While neither the A380 nor the 747-8 are major commercial hits, sales of the Boeing model have been particularly lacklustre, forcing the manufacturer to slash production rates.