EVERETT, Wash. — Boeing on Sunday unveiled the latest version of its iconic 747 lineup, the 747-8 Intercontinental. The massive aircraft was released in a flurry of fanfare with “10,000 of [its] closest friends” in attendance. With dramatic music, smoke and lights, the Boeing 747-8I was unveiled with the drop of a hangar-sized curtain. Immediately noticeable was the bright orange paint scheme which was said to represent sunrises of the past as well as the dawn of a new era.
Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is unveiled in Washington. (Photo by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindgren)
Boeing emphasized the past of the 747 program as a hope for a bright future, even using the slogan “Incredible, again,” and speaking of generations of “Incredibles” in promotional videos. Boeing also emphasized the importance of its customers, starting with the full-livery models (Lufthansa and Korean Air) that stood in front of the curtain at the start of the event all the way to the presentation given by Lufthansa’s Nico Buchholz, Executive Vice President of Fleet Management.
The spectacularly coordinated event was finished with an opportunity for all attendees to walk around the aircraft and point out its distinctive features. Though the craft is not finished, the company suggests that this particular plane will be ready to fly during Spring of 2011.
Check out the photos of the Boeing 747-8I below.
NYCAviation correspondents Jeremy Dywer-Lindgren and Tad Carlson contributed to this report.
