Boeing’s new 747 takes to the skies
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The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental took to the skies for the first time yesterday, when it began its flight test programme. The aircraft was in the air for four hours and 25 minutes before landing at Boeing Field in Seattle, US. The new 747’s first flight marks the beginning of a flight test programme that will finish in the fourth quarter of 2011, if all goes according to plan.
The aircraft underwent tests for basic handling and performance during the flight, reaching a cruising altitude of 19,000 feet (5,791 metres), and a speed of up to 250 knots, or about 463kph.
Boeing claims that the 747-8 Intercontinental will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any large commercial aircraft, with 12% lower costs than its predecessor, the 747-400, as well as 16% better fuel economy and carbon emissions per passenger. It also generates a 30% less noise than the 747-400. The 747-8 will also feature interior design concepts used on the 787 Dreamliner such as new upswept architecture giving passengers more headroom, while adding more space for personal belongings. The list price for the 747-8 Intercontinental is approximately US$300 million, and the plane will be capable of carrying up to 467 passengers in a three-class configuration.
So far, four airlines have ordered 38 B747-8 Intercontinentals. Korean Air joined launch customer Lufthansa in ordering a total of 33 of the aircraft, while Air China has ordered five Intercontinentals.
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