Boeing joins fuselage sections of first 747-8I

Assembly of the first Boeing 747-8I is progressing. (Boeing)

Assembly of the first Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is progressing, with mechanics loading the forward and aft fuselage sections to join with the wing and centre section, marking the start of the final body join.

“Final body join is an important milestone for the 747 program,” said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of airplane programs. “It is a major step toward completing the structural integration and building out our all-new interior. We now have the first real look at the size and distinctive shape of the 747-8 Intercontinental. This is going to be a superb airplane for our customers both from an aesthetic and a performance perspective.”

Boeing has to date sold 33 747-8Is to Lufthansa, Korean Air and eight private customers. The first 747-8I is scheduled for delivery in late 2011 to a VIP customer.