Boeing’s first 747-8 Freighter leaves paint hangar

Published 7:21 am Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Boeing Co.’s first 747-8 Freighter has been painted. The cargo jet left the paint hangar in Everett last night.

Painted in a “light” livery — white with blue accents, the 747-8 Freighter unveiled a new twist on the Boeing Commercial Airplanes livery. It features an oversized “8” on the background of the tail as well as “747-8” on the belly.

The light livery, which saves time and expense compared to the full Boeing livery, will remain on the airplane until the flight-test program is completed. After flight test, it will be refurbished and delivered to a customer.

Boeing plans to fly the freighter for the first time in early 2010.