Final Test Flight Was From Barbados To Everett

After finally getting the first 747-8 freighter off to its new owners, Boeing on Monday wrapped up certification test flights for the passenger version of the stretched jumbo jet. The final function and reliability tests were completed by the crew on a flight from Barbados to Everett, WA on Monday.

All that appears to be left to do is filing the paperwork with the FAA. Boeing expects certification to carry passengers on the Intercontinental by the end of the year.

The Seattle Times reports that the three airplanes in the test program will continue flying as that paperwork moves through the Washington bureaucracy. The flights over the next few weeks will be post-certification tests of interior configurations of the first airplanes to be delivered. The interiors are specialized for the launch customer for the 747-8 ... the governments of Kuwait and Qatar. They'll be finished by specialty outfitters with luxury interiors after initial delivery.

Meanwhile a 747-8 freighter  has been delivered to Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways, making it the second freight operator worldwide to take delivery of Boeing's newest freighter. With this new addition to its fleet, Cathay Pacific also becomes the first carrier in Asia Pacific to operate the 747-8. The new airplane is the first of 10 747-8 Freighters Cathay Pacific has on order with Boeing.

"We are pleased to take delivery of this excellent new freighter, which will be a perfect addition to the Cathay Pacific cargo fleet," said Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer John Slosar. "The B747-8F will help us further strengthen Hong Kong's position as the world's leading international air cargo hub. We look forward to the efficiency and environmental benefits that we expect to realise with this great new airplane."

The 747-8 Freighters are expected to progressively replace the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) in the Cathay Pacific Cargo fleet. Cathay Pacific currently operates six 747-400 Freighters, six 747-400ER Freighters and eight 747-400BCFs. Eight customers have ordered a total of 75 747-8 Freighters.

FMI: www.boeing.com