Originally Posted by
Twin Wasp
Before the -8 and 787 Boeing did build aircraft to customer specifications. Just look at the hydraulic panel. How many auxiliary hydraulic pumps are there? What powers the hydraulic demand pumps? Which is why there are all the notes about specific tail numbers in the FCOM.
Which is why it’s a 747-8, not a -800. Those extra digits specify the customer option package. Kind of like a Camry SE vs XLE. These days Boeings only come one flavor because their specs are more determined by leasing companies than airlines. They need airliners to be easily traded between client airlines and not concerned that the galleys or systems don’t match.