Boeing has begun the assembly of the first 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft with the loading of its wing panels and spars in the assembly tools.
The airplane is a new version of the 747-400 powered by GEnx-2B engines that will fly up to 467 passengers in a three-class configuration.
The 747-8 is 16% more fuel efficient and creates 30% less noise than its predecessor, but features 26% greater cargo volume.
Deutsche Lufthansa is the first airline to order 20 747-8 Intercontinentals with purchase rights for an additional 20.
The 747-8 Intercontinental is part of the 747-8 family, which also includes the 747-8 freighter.
