Boeing’s 747-8 Intercontinental has received US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification, clearing the way for Boeing to begin deliveries of the jumbo passenger jet early next year.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is expected to follow the FAA in issuing an Amended Type Certificate (ATC) for the 747-8I this week, Boeing said. The FAA issued the ATC on Wednesday.
The first 747-8s will be delivered to launch customer Lufthansa, which has ordered 20 of the 467-seat jetliners. Boeing has so far announced 111 orders for the passenger and cargo versions of the plane. The cargo version, the 747-8F, began deliveries in October.
Boeing touts the 747-8 as 30 per cent quieter and 16 per cent more fuel efficient than the 747-400, which it will replace. The updated jumbo jet also features interior design cues taken from the 787 Dreamliner, including LED ‘mood lighting’ and upswept architecture designed to foster a greater sense of space and comfort.
