New Boeing 747-8 Ultra Dreamliner takes off!

US aerospace giant Boeing’s newest version of its 747 jumbo jet took to the skies for the first time yesterday, the company said.

The 747-8 is Boeing’s answer to the A380, the super-jumbo aircraft made by European rival Airbus.

Boeing claims the high-capacity 747-8 Freighter will give cargo operators the lowest operating costs and best economics of any freighter plane while providing enhanced environmental performance.

Like the 787 Dreamliner program, the 747-8 program has been plagued by delays due to production problems and a machinists’ strike.

First deliveries, initially slated for late last year, are now set for the fourth quarter of this year.

The 787 Dreamliner made its first flight on December 15, more than two years behind the original schedule.

The designation 747-8 was chosen to reflect 787 Dreamliner technologies, the Chicago-based aerospace giant said.

The 747-8 Freighter “performed well” in taxi tests on Saturday, the last functional test before the aircraft’s first flight, said Mo Yahyavi, 747 program vice-president and general manager of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Based on early indications, the airplane is ready to fly.”

Let’s hope.