According to chief pilot Mark Feuerstein, the aircraft performed as expected and handled "just like a 747-400".
Yesterday's flight was the first of more than 1,600 flight hours in the test program for the newest member of the Boeing freighter family.
The aircraft underwent tests for basic handling qualities and engine performance. It will now transition its testing program to Moses Lake, Washington, and Palmdale, California, where the other two test aircraft will join it in the coming month.
The 747-8 Freighter is the new, high-capacity 747 that will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter. The 18 ft 4 in stretch over the 747-400F provides customers with 16% more revenue cargo volume, which translates to an additional four main-deck pallets and three lower-hold pallets.
Boeing launched the aircraft on November 14th, 2005, with eighteen firm orders from Luxembourg-based Cargolux (ten) and Japan-based Nippon Cargo Airlines (eight).
In total, Boeing has secured 108 orders for the 747-8, of which 76 are orders for the new freighter.
Cargolux, Nippon Cargo Airlines, AirBridgeCargo Airlines, Atlas Air, Cathay Pacific, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Emirates SkyCargo, Guggenheim and Korean Air all have ordered the 747-8 Freighter.
