747-8 Intercontinental Debut in Germany Set for Dec. 6

Lufthansa will conduct a number of tests to help ensure a smooth integration 

of the newest member of the 747 family into Lufthansa operations. Lufthansa 

maintenance and engineering personnel will rehearse ground-handling processes 

for the 747-8 Intercontinental within the airline’s facilities and on its 

ramps at the airport. In addition, the crews will check how their 

ground-support equipment accommodates the airplane. These checks will help 

Lufthansa ensure a smooth entry into service for crews and passengers in 

early 2012. 



The airplane is scheduled to arrive at Frankfurt Airport late afternoon 

Central European Time (CET) on Dec. 6 after an approximately 9-hour flight 

from Seattle. Three Lufthansa pilots will join two Boeing pilots on the 

flight crew for the flight. The airplane will depart early afternoon CET Dec. 

9. Lufthansa will release photographs of the airplane’s visit to Frankfurt, at 

its website https://presse.lufthansa.com/de/mediathek/bildarchiv.html. 



The airplane that will visit, known to Boeing as RC021, is one of three 

airplanes that have served in the 747-8 Intercontinental flight test fleet. 

It was specifically used to test interior systems such as heating and air 

conditioning, cabin lighting and systems and galleys. 



The airplane is painted white with a gray belly and a blue tail fin – a 

basecoat of the Lufthansa livery without decals – and will be the fifth 

747-8 Intercontinental to join Lufthansa’s fleet when it is delivered in the 

third quarter 2012. The first 747-8 Intercontinental destined for Lufthansa 

is completing construction at Boeing’s facility in Everett, Wash.