New Boeing 747-8 debuts in Paris [PHOTOS]

Boeing unveiled a new, elongated version of its legendary jumbo jet, the 747-8, hoping to stir up sales at this years Paris Air show.

The new jetliner has 467 seats, 51 more than its predecessor, but fewer than the 525-seat A380 made by EADS unit Airbus.

The Intercontinental lists at $317.5 million. Germany's Lufthansa has ordered 20 of the planes, and is set to be the first airline to bring the new jumbo into service early next year.

The plane features a new red and orange livery to symbolize the importance of the fast-growing Asian aircraft market.

Boeing has taken 33 orders for the 747-8 Intercontinental, which will be joined in Paris on Monday by the better-selling freighter version of the plane, which has received 76 orders.

Boeing flew its first 747 -- the largest commercial plane it makes -- 42 years ago. Since then, the plane with the distinctive hump has become the world's most recognizable plane.

The 747 was the world's largest airplane until 2005, when Airbus unveiled its A380.

The 747-8 Intercontinental competes with the A380. The upgraded plane promises to burn less fuel and offers more passenger comfort. The plane also boasts new wings, a new tail, state-of-the-art engines and a new cockpit.

See photos below: