July Wrap Up

A slow month on the 747 production front. No deliveries, two first flights, and a couple new engine-less frames to sit around the KPAE tower. At least we had a couple new firm orders.

In August, we should see two deliveries: line 1433 for Cathay and line 1480 for Lufthansa. After that there might not be any deliveries until October. Through the end of the year we will probably see Nippon Cargo take three frames, Cathay should take three more (after 1433), and Cargolux might take one or two. That would put us around 20-22 deliveries for the year. There might be a few more (ABC? Korean Air Cargo? Line 1437?) but they'd be surprises at this point.

I caught line 1433 (RC553) B-LJC for Cathay returning from a B3 flight this afternoon.

A Cathay VP recently said he sees no need for passenger VLA (very large aircraft). Cathay, a large 747-8F customer, is a potential 747-8I customer, but that flame is looking dim after his comments.

Line 1480 First Flight

Line 1480 (RC030) D-ABYK for Lufthansa went for a short first flight today. Something made them turn around and return early. Thanks to Matt Cawby for the photos.

Line 1485 (RC526) JA16KZ for Nippon Cargo rolled off the FAL without engines, another frame waiting for the newly certified PIP enabled GE engines.

Lufthansa's first 747-8I, line 1443 (RC022) D-ABYA, has been inactive since July 11th. It's too early for a C or D check, so I wonder what's going on with her.

Below is 1480's taxi test and first flight. You can mouse wheel through them and it's like watching it live!

Line 1482 First Flight

Line 1482 (RC605) VQ-BRJ for AirBridgeCargo took off for a first flight today. 747-8 production activity has been slow recently, so here are a bunch of pictures of her returning to KPAE. I'm not sure when this frame will deliver. ABC has one in storage already, but they might be approaching the point of taking one for delivery, which could be this one. Or she might be destined for storage, we'll just have to wait and see. Big pic was taken by Vintage Racer.