The 747-8 is clearly the way to go. The original issue was volume/Asian slots as I recall. The 777 hauls a bit less than a 747-200, albeit at greater range. From a crewmember hiring standpoint however the 777/MD11 combo is a better bet. However, when you factor in a route like HKG-ICN-ANC the 747-8 will likely carry at least 60,000 more payload to the US than a 777 which wil more than offset the increased fuel burn. And it will do quite well on HKG-SDF or down the road ANC-CGN all the while making me feel better having four instead of two. Not to mention the crew comfort issues...oh wait...UPS will put extra volume on the upper deck.