Etihad 747-8F

Atlas's brand new frame, line 1476 (RC582) N855GT emerged from the paint hanger sporting her new Etihad Cargo livery. She had just been painted in Atlas's livery prior to her first flight, but that coat wasn't long for this world.

Line 1476 is still property of Atlas, but she's on a long term wet lease to Etihad for a round the world shipping route. Ethihad is also employing a couple 747-400Fs, and there are rumors that they might be in the market for more 747-8s. both passenger and freighter models. Here's the route N855GT will be taking:

It's... Alive!

Line 1421 is up in the air, right now, for a test flight. She's the last frame still undergoing a slow refurbishment out of Lackland Airport in San Antonio, Texas (she's been there for a long time now), and it looks like that's finally wrapping up. She'll probably head into paint or back to KPAE soon. JA11KZ (RC521) was the second 747-8 test frame, and is intended for Nippon Cargo.

In other minutia, here's the upcoming Etihad 747-8F route (not really their frame, they're just wet leasing one from Atlas). Quite a route!