EVERETT, Wash. – Boeing’s 747-8 Intercontinental took off Sunday from Paine Field (KPAE), kicking off the flight test program for the longest passenger aircraft in the world and the largest plane ever built by Boeing.
747-8 Intercontinental first takeoff. (Photo by Brandon Farris)
The 480-ton machine (registration N6067E) rotated on runway 34R after Boeing employees were allowed to gather on an adjacent taxiway. With sunny skies, a dry runway and light winds – rare for the Seattle area during March – the conditions were perfect for a seamless takeoff.
The 747-8I will land at Boeing Field (KBFI), about 30 miles south of its origin, after a five-hour test flight over the state of Washington. Because it is an initial test flight, the 747-8 I will fly under normal flight procedures with no extreme conditions testing. A press conference will follow. Stay tuned to NYCAviation for coverage of the landing and press conference.
Check out the photos and videos of the event below:
NYCAviation correspondents Tad Carlson, Andy Bokanev and Brandon Farris contributed to this report.
