Boeing delivers 20th 747-8

Sales of the passenger version of Boeing's updated 747 have lagged well behind the cargo version. (Boeing)

Boeing has delivered its 20^th 747-8 jumbo jet, a cargo model for Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings.

Atlas will operate the aircraft on behalf of Swiss freight carrier Panalpina. Dubbed the Spirit of Panalpina and the first aircraft to be painted in Panalpina livery, the 747-8 Freighter was due to depart Seattle today for Hong Kong, where it would take on cargo before continuing to Luxembourg.

Atlas Air has ordered nine 747-8 Freighters, two of which it will operate for Panalpina.

To date, Boeing has delivered 16 747-8 Freighters and four 747-8 Intercontinental passenger jets – three to VIPs and one to launch customer Lufthansa.