Boeing Completes 747-8 Freighter Taxi Tests

'Based on early indications, the airplane is ready to fly'

(Everett, Wash., February 6, 2010) -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) completed taxi tests on the first 747-8 Freighter today. With Chief Pilot Mark Feuerstein at the controls, the airplane reached a top speed of approximately 90 knots (103.5 mph, 166.6 kph).

"The airplane performed well," said Mo Yahyavi, 747 program vice president and general manager, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Based on early indications, the airplane is ready to fly."

This was the last functional test planned before first flight. The first flight of the 747-8 Freighter is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 8.

Source : The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) - click here for more information