March 20, 2011 in News

Boeing’s largest passenger jet lifts off

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The Associated Press photo

A Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, Boeing’s new passenger plane, is accompanied by a chase plane after taking off on its first flight, Sunday, March 20, 2011, at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
(Full-size photo)

EVERETT, Wash. — The Boeing Co.’s newest and largest passenger plane took off for the first time Sunday.

The 747-8 Intercontinental painted in orange and white left Paine Field in Everett at 9:58 a.m. under mostly blue skies and cheers from a crowd of Boeing workers and others.

Boeing spokesman Jim Proulx says two pilots are aboard the jumbo jet, which is expected to land at Seattle’s Boeing Field after about five hours in the air.

The cargo version of the new plane has been in flight tests for about a year. The passenger version can carry up to 467 people, with a range of nearly 7,000 miles. The jet features a new wing design and upgraded flight deck.

The jet is about 250 feet long with a wingspan of about 224 feet.

One comment on this story so far. Add yours!

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  D Statler on March 20 at 8:22 p.m.

  Seen a new blue 787 flyin west over Airway Heights this afternoon. Beautiful AMERICAN built planes.Definately happy to see these flying over Washington state!