The Boeing Co. could fly its new 747-8 Freighter as early as Monday, the company said today.
The flight date still depends on several preflight tests, including high-speed taxi testing. Those tests are scheduled to take place in the next few days. The freighter will take off from Everett’s Paine Field at 10 a.m., Feb. 8, if the preflight tests go well.
Boeing’s updated jumbo jet features both a new wing design and improved engines. The company says its 747-8 will be about 16 percent more fuel efficient than the 747-400 in service.
Boeing has won 76 orders for its 747-8 Freighter and orders for 32 of the 747-8 passenger plane, dubbed the Intercontinental.
The company plans to deliver the first 747-8 Freighter late this year. Its passenger plane will be delivered in late 2011.
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