Boeing 747-8 completes certification flight testing

A major milestone for both freighter and passenger versions of the ‘all new’ Boeing 747-8 has been reached with the successful completion of the freighter variants flight test programme.

The first 747-8 Freighter is scheduled to be delivered to launch customer Cargolux in September after certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The 747-8 Freighter has flown more than 1,200 flights and 3,400 hours since its first flight on 8 February 2010.  During that time, the five-aeroplane test fleet was used to gather data for more than 1,700 FAA certification requirements.  Boeing tested the capabilities of these aeroplanes far beyond what they are expected to encounter in normal service.  The new aircraft is 18ft 4ins (5.6m) longer than the current 747-400 Freighter.  The stretch provides customers with 16% more revenue cargo volume compared to its predecessor.  That translates to four additional main-deck pallets and three additional lower-hold pallets.

The current order book stands at 114, including 78 of the freighter version, and 36 of the passenger version.  Lufthansa, is expected to receive its first aircraft towards the end of the year or early 2012 and offer a three class format. www.boeing.com/commercial

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