01.03.2010 Boeing 747-8F First Flight

The Boeing 747-8 Freighter successfully took to the sky for the first time, on a test flight that began in Paine Field in Everett and ended at the same location just over three-and-a-half hours later. The aircraft underwent tests for basic handling qualities and engine performance.

The 747-8 Freighter is the new, high-capacity 747 that will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter. The 747-8 freighter is 76.3-meter long, 5.6 meters longer than the 747-400 model. The stretch provides customers with 16 percent more revenue cargo volume compared with its predecessor.

The jet is more eco-friendly than the current 747-400 model, calling it "the world's most efficient freighter." Boeing is also developing a passenger version of the 747-8, seen as a competitor to Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger jet though both the 747-8 freighter and passenger jets are smaller than A380.

Goto chapter Aerospace industry