Boeing has released the Lufthansa's first 747-8 aircraft. The aircraft will undergo extensive ground tests before flight tests begin in November. The aircraft is scheduled to go into service from next year. The Boeing 747-8 has been stretched by six metres compared with the Boeing 747-400. The new Jumbo measures 76.3 metres in length, making it the world's longest passenger airliner. The Boeing 747-8 consumes 13 per cent less fuel than the Boeing 747-400.
Lufthansa has ordered 20 Boeing 747-8s, which are due for delivery from the beginning of 2012 through to mid-2015, and also has options on a further 20 aircraft.