Boeing's final month of 747-8 freighter and 787 first delivery milestones has emerged, placing the handover to its patient launch customers as early as 7 and 22 September, respectively, say those familiar with the airframer's plans.
The 747-8F was awarded its Amended Type Certificate from the FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency on 19 August. RC502 is expected to make its first flight as early as 27 August.
Aircraft launch customer Luxembourg-based Cargolux could take delivery of RC502 as early as 7 September following a customer acceptance flight around 2 September.
The European cargo carrier is expected to take its second 747-8F later in the month, while Cathay Pacific Cargo also expected to take delivery in September of two of the 10 jumbo freighters the carrier has on order.
Boeing expects to receive the 787's US Federal Aviation Administration type and productions certificates on 26 August, the company said.
All Nippon Airways, which first signed onto the then-named 7E7 programme in 2004, will receive its first 787 Dreamliner, the first of 55 the Japanese airline has on order, sometime between 22 and 30 September, with a flyaway to Japan from Boeing's Everett, Washington factory anticipated as little as two days after the handover.
The first production 787 to be delivered, ZA101, which was unveiled on 6 August and underwent its first engine run on 18 August, is expected to make its first flight around 1 September.
ANA's first 787 is expected to make its maiden scheduled revenue flight on 1 November, connecting Tokyo's Haneda International airport with Okayama and Hiroshima.
Both types have been significantly delayed, facing supply chain issues and design changes that caused a slip of three and a half years for the 787 and two years for the 747-8F.
Boeing holds orders for 827 787s and 78 747-8Fs.