Aircraft

Boeing has completed final gauntlet testing on its first 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft.

The two days of testing were completed late on Sunday 13 March. "The team continues to do great work to get the 747-8 Intercontinental into the air," says Elizabeth Lund, vice president and general manager, 747 program. "It'll be a great day for the team when the airplane flies."

Gauntlet testing simulates flight conditions to test systems and ensure flight readiness.

First flight is currently scheduled for 20 March and will take place after final flight readiness reviews, receipt of documentation from the US FAA and taxi testing.

Two flight test aircraft are expected to accumulate 600 flight test hours in the lead-up to the new 467-seat jumbo's certification and delivery by the close of 2011.