Cleared for Take Off!

[bookworm_020]

The new 747-8 gets airborne!

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/boeings-new-747-jumbo-makes-first-flight-20100209-no3h.html

[Tchocky]

I don't know if it's the paint job, but they've made it into one ugly aircraft :/

[Weiss Pinguin]

I dunno, I think it looks graceful in its own peculiar way...

[Sailor Steve]

Today is 40 years to the day after the first flight of the first B-747.
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/747family/background.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_747

[Jimbuna]

If the fuel efficiency figures over its rivals (especially the airbus) are correct it will probably enjoy a successful future, especially in the present economic climate.

[Platapus]

$300 million per... Wow! :o

[Jimbuna]

$300 million per... Wow! :o

Not too expensive...could have been £'s :O:

[bookworm_020]

I dunno, I think it looks graceful in its own peculiar way...

It is a freighter version, so it looks a little different to your standard 747. The fact that it can use exsisting infrastructure is also a plus in the eys of airlines.