U.S. aircraft maker Boeing has received $5 billion worth of orders for its new and upgraded version of its 747 jetliner.
Boeing says that Cargolux Airlines of Luxembourg has ordered 10 of its new 747-8 aircraft, with purchase rights for an additional 10 jets. Japan-based Nippon Cargo has ordered eight of the new jets, with options for 10 more. The airlines will begin receiving the new jets in 2009.
The head of Boeing's commercial airplanes division says the new 747 will utilize engines designed for its new 787 Dreamliner passenger jet to make it quieter and more efficient.
Boeing is competing against Europe's Airbus consortium for dominance of the international aviation market. Airbus is preparing its new A-380 superjumbo jet for service beginning next year.
Some information for this story provided by Reuters and AP.