Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental makes debut landing in Germany

Lufthansa will conduct a number of tests to help ensure a smooth integration of the newest member of the 747 family into Lufthansa operations. Lufthansa maintenance and engineering personnel will rehearse ground-handling processes for the 747-8 Intercontinental within the airline's facilities and on its ramps at the airport. In addition, the crews will check how their ground-support equipment accommodates the airplane. These checks will help Lufthansa ensure a smooth entry into service for crews and passengers in early 2012.

The airplane arrived at Frankfurt Airport on 6 December after an approximately 9-hour flight from Seattle. Three Lufthansa pilots joined two Boeing pilots on the flight crew for the flight. The airplane will be departing early afternoon CET 9 December.

The airplane will be the fifth 747-8 Intercontinental to join Lufthansa's fleet when it is delivered in the third quarter of 2012. The first 747-8 Intercontinental destined for Lufthansa is completing construction at Boeing's facility at Everett, Wash.

The 747-8 Intercontinental provides double-digit improvements in fuel economy and carbon emissions per passenger and generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400. The 747-8 Intercontinental applies interior features from the 787 Dreamliner that includes a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings.

Lufthansa has ordered a total of 20 747-8 Intercontinental airplanes. Boeing and Lufthansa share a strong tradition of innovation and partnership that continues with the new 747-8 Intercontinental.