FAA and EASA certify Boeing’s 747-8 freighter

Boeing received a giant push in the worldwide deployment of its 747-8 freighter with the aircraft’s certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency on August 19. These approvals are two of the final steps before the 747-8’s September delivery to launch customer Cargolux.

Both the FAA and EASA awarded Boeing an Amended Type Certificate (ATC) for this aircraft, with the FAA granting the aircraft manufacturer an Amended Production Certificate (APC) as well. Although the ATC and APC are equally important certifications, the former acknowledges that the aircraft complies with design regulations while the latter confirms that Boeing can replicate 747-8s that meet production mandates.

Since its maiden voyage on Feb. 8, 2010, the 747-8F has logged more than 3,400 hours and been flown more than 1,200 times. Boeing utilized a fleet of five aircraft to perform each necessary flight test, enabling the aircraft manufacturer to collect data necessary for fulfilling the FAA’s more than 1,700 certification requirements.

Boeing President and CEO Jim Albaugh said attaining these certifications was a group effort. “Over the last several years, this team has overcome challenge after challenge,” he said in a statement. “Through their hard work and dedication, they have ensured that the 747, the queen of the skies, will fly for decades to come.”

Elizabeth Lund, vice president and general manager of the 747 program, concurs. “This is a day to express our profound thanks to everyone at Boeing and at our suppliers who played a part in designing, building and testing this airplane,” she said at the time. “It’s a day to thank our colleagues at the FAA and EASA for all of their hard work. And it’s a day to appreciate our customers for their commitment to the program.”