June 1, Lufthansa, launch customer for the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, initiated commercial service of the new Jumbo jet along the inaugural route of Frankfurt to Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport.
Flight LH416 departed Frankfurt at 9:50 a.m. and is scheduled to touchdown at Dulles at 12:45 p.m.
In addition to regularly scheduled passengers, guests include Dr. Christoph Franz, Lufthansa’s CEO and chairman of the executive board, and Elizabeth Lund, Boeing vice president and general manager, 747 Program, who are joined by a delegation consisting of U.S. and international media, esteemed customers and partners.
The return flight, LH419, is scheduled to depart Washington, D.C., 5:55 p.m., June 1 arriving in Frankfurt at 8:05 a.m., June 2. Lufthansa’s newest flagship aircraft will provide service between the two cities initially six days a week (excluding Tuesdays), and will increase capacity on this route by 6.3 percent.
“The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental is an exceptional aircraft,” said Christoph Franz, chairman and CEO of Deutsche Lufthansa AG. “With its addition to our fleet, Lufthansa has created a product that is not only in line with our company’s commitment to innovation, technology and efficiency, but that also offers qualities and features that are sure to maximize our passengers’ in-flight experience. Travelers to and from Washington, D.C. are in for a memorable flight and Lufthansa looks forward to expanding our 747-8 Intercontinental service to other U.S. markets in the coming months.”
“It is such an honor to join Lufthansa in welcoming the 747-8 Intercontinental into service,” said Elizabeth Lund, Boeing vice president and general manager, 747 Program. “Lufthansa has provided great inspiration and leadership in helping us design a new Queen of the Skies for the 21st century, an airplane that Lufthansa will love for its efficiency and reliability, airport neighbors will love for its quiet operations and low emissions, and passengers will love for its beautiful new interior and extra space.”
“We want to thank Lufthansa for selecting Washington Dulles International Airport for the honor of receiving the very first commercial flight of a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental anywhere in the world,” said John E. Potter, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. “As the international gateway to our nation’s capital, Dulles has been honored to remain on the cutting edge of new aircraft technology since its opening 50 years ago. We congratulate Lufthansa on the debut of this impressive new aircraft and thank them for serving Dulles as the launch market from their Frankfurt hub.”
Upon the flight’s arrival, Lufthansa, Boeing and the Metro Washington Airport Authority will host a press conference, along with guest speaker Francisco J. Sanchez, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade.
The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental features new, state-of-the-art wings with improved aerodynamics and raked wing tips; new fuel-efficient, U.S.-manufactured GEnx-2B engines that contribute to a reduction in fuel burn, emissions and noise and thus give customers the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large passenger airplane; and fly-by-wire technology.
