747-8I Makes A Move

Boeing's first 747-8I (RC001) made a brief move from the 747 final assembly line in building 40-22 to building 40-23 where it will be undergoing more ground testing before heading outside to be painted and gauntlet testing prior to first flight which is expected in sometime in February.

A second 747-8I of the line and destined for Lufthansa (RC021) is expected to come off the line next month and be flying sometime around April. The length of the flight test program will be much shorter owing to the fact that much of the testing has already been done on the 747-8F and does not need to be repeated on the 747-8I. It's anticipated that the two aircraft test flight fleet should finish all flight test and certification activities in about 6 months with first delivery to a VIP customer in November or December of this year.

Matt Cawby got some great pictures of the first 747-8I being rolled to 40-23:

Matt Cawby: 747-8 Intercontinental Move