Boeing 747-8, the aerospace giant's largest airplane ever, has received certification from U.S. and European aviation regulators to enter into service as a cargo jet, the company announced in Seattle on Friday.
After a year and a half of flight tests, the 747-8 freighter received certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency, said the company in a statement.
Cargolux of Luxembourg is expected to take the first delivery in early September.
"This is such a great day for everyone on the 747 team," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. " Over the last several years, this team has overcome challenge after challenge. Through their hard work and dedication, they have ensured that the 747, the Queen of the Skies, will fly for decades to come."
Officially announced in 2005, the plane gets approval for entry into service two years later than originally planned. In November 2008, Boeing announced a delay to the 747-8 program, citing limited availability of engineering resources, design changes and the strike by factory workers.
In October 2009, Boeing announced to delay the first flight of the aircraft and the delivery of the passenger variant. The company recorded a total 2-billion-U.S. dollar charge against its earnings for the delays in these two years.
So far, Boeing has 78 orders for 747-8 freight jets and 36 orders for the passenger version which is expected to get certification and delivered by the end of this year.
After a year and a half of flight tests, the 747-8 freighter received certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency, said the company in a statement.
Cargolux of Luxembourg is expected to take the first delivery in early September.
"This is such a great day for everyone on the 747 team," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. " Over the last several years, this team has overcome challenge after challenge. Through their hard work and dedication, they have ensured that the 747, the Queen of the Skies, will fly for decades to come."
Officially announced in 2005, the plane gets approval for entry into service two years later than originally planned. In November 2008, Boeing announced a delay to the 747-8 program, citing limited availability of engineering resources, design changes and the strike by factory workers.
In October 2009, Boeing announced to delay the first flight of the aircraft and the delivery of the passenger variant. The company recorded a total 2-billion-U.S. dollar charge against its earnings for the delays in these two years.
So far, Boeing has 78 orders for 747-8 freight jets and 36 orders for the passenger version which is expected to get certification and delivered by the end of this year.
