First Cargolux 747-8F delivery aircraft flies

Posted by Guy Norris at 9/1/2011 1:51 AM CDT

The first 747-8F due to be delivered to Cargolux Airlines, RC502, made its first at Boeing’s Everett site in the afternoon of Aug 31. The aircraft conducted the standard B-1 pre-delivery test flight, signaling the start of the final countdown to first delivery. 

Although originally targeted for Sept 7, this is now expected to occur later this month – likely in the third week.

A final step to the delivery of the first 787-8, set to occur to ANA just days later on Sept 25, has meanwhile been achieved with the aircraft’s certification by the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). 

Boeing confirmed the authority had approved the 787 type certificate on Aug 31.  

The first aircraft to be delivered will be LX-VCC/RC502. Pictured about to land at Everett earlier this year is LX-VCB/RC503 - currently in refurbishment in San Antonio, Texas (Joe Walker)

JCAB clearance marks the latest milestone in a tumultuous few weeks for Boeing which began with the completion of final flight tests on the 747-8F on Aug 3, the final F&R flight for the 787 on Aug 17, certification of the 747-8F by FAA and EASA on Aug 19, and FAA/EASA certification of the 787-8 on Aug 26. 

Oh, and if this wasn’t enough, the company rounded off the month with the launch of the 737 MAX on Aug 30. So much for the traditionally quiet ‘silly season’ of news over the northern summer!