10/31/2011. Remarks by Vern McGarrigle: "Painted in the manufacturer's new 'sunrise' corporate colors, the first 747-8 Intercontinental was rolled out at Everett, Washington, USA on February 13, 2011. It is pictured here on its 4 hours 25 minutes maiden trip on March 20, 2011, with Boeing 747 Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein and Captain Paul at the controls.

The 747-8 is offered in two main variants: the 747-8 Intercontinental (747-8I) for passengers and the 747-8 Freighter (747-8F) for cargo. The first 747-8F performed its maiden flight on February 8, 2010. Delivery of the first freighter aircraft has been postponed multiple times and had still not taken place on October 6, 2011. Certification of the 747-8I passenger model is expected in late 2011, following a 600-hour flight test campaign, and the first example will be delivered as a VIP configured aircraft to LH Group Fleet Management.

In July 2011, confirmed orders for the 747-8 totaled 114, including 78 of the freighter version, and 36 of the passenger version. The 747-8 is the largest 747 version, the largest commercial aircraft built in the United states, and the longest passenger aircraft in the world."