Boeing has announced that the third 747-8 Freighter, RC521, has ferried to Palmdale, California where it will conduct the majority of its certification testing.
“Taking the airplane to Palmdale is a big step,” said Mo Yahyavi, VP and general manager of the 747 program. “The team is focused on ensuring a seamless transition into the next phase of the flight test program as we prepare to expand testing of the 747-8 Freighter’s performance characteristics.”
The two other 747-8Fs will join RC521 in the coming weeks to complete approximately 3700 hours of ground and air testing. Delivery of the first 747-8F to launch customer Cargolux is due to take place during the fourth quarter of this year.
