First Delivery Expected In Early 2012

ANN has confirmed that Boeing received certification for the new 747-8 Intercontinental from the FAA, late Wednesday. Certification clears the way for delivery of the new airplane early next year.

The FAA presented Boeing an Amended Type Certificate (ATC) and the amended Production Certificate for Boeing's newest passenger airplane, the 747-8 Intercontinental, while the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is expected to issue its ATC for the airplane some time Thursday. Boeing received its FAA and EASA certificates for the 747-8 Freighter in August.

"This is a great achievement for Boeing and for the 747-8 program," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, "We look forward to delivering this fabulous airplane to our customers."

The certificates validate that the design of the 747-8 Intercontinental is compliant with all aviation regulatory requirements and the production system can produce a safe and reliable airplane, conforming to the airplane's design.

"Soon people around the world will fly on the newest 747," said Elizabeth Lund, vice president and general manager, 747 program. "This is a great day for our customers and for a team that has worked incredibly hard to certify the newest version of the Queen of the Skies."

The 747 program is now in the final stages of preparing to deliver the first 747-8 Intercontinental early next year. The 747-8 Intercontinental reportedly provides double-digit improvements in fuel economy and carbon emissions per passenger and generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400. The new 747-8 Intercontinental features a new wing design and an upgraded flight deck and applies 787 Dreamliner inspired interior features including a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort.

FMI: www.boeing.com