Boeing 747-8 Freighter Aircraft Flight Tests Begin
09/23/2010
The Boeing Company will begin conducting one of several component flight tests for the new Boeing 747-8 Freighter at Fresno Yosemite International Airport on Monday, Sept. 27, beginning at approximately 11 a.m.
The testing will consist of the Boeing 747-8 Freighter followed by a Boeing 747-400 reference airplane making repeated landing approaches.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the only airport in the nation involved with this specific test component for The Boeing Company. Clear airspace and favorable weather conditions contributed to company’s selection of Fresno Yosemite.
The aircraft landing approaches may be visible from the Chestnut Avenue frontage road located south of the southwest corner of Chestnut/Dakota Avenues.
In addition to the Chestnut frontage road view, the Airport will permit the public to observe the flight testing near the Airport perimeter fence located off Airways Blvd. Entry to this area will only be available specifically for the viewing of this event. The access road to this area is located west of the Airport’s cargo ramp off of Airways Blvd.; the road is not signed.
Due to the size of both the Boeing 747-8 Freighter and the Boeing 747-400 reference aircraft, it may appear they are flying low and at a reduced speed during flight operations. Observers can distinguish the two aircraft given that the Boeing 747-8 Freighter aircraft has been painted to symbolize the CargoLux trade name while the Boeing 747-400 reference aircraft is outfitted in The Boeing Company distinctive blue- and-white brand.
The flight testing schedule is anticipated to continue over the next couple of months, with the actual flight days to be determined by weather and flight-test program constraints.
For more information on the 747-8, please visit:
http://www.boeing.com/newairplane/747/design_highlights/
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is a municipally owned entity operating as a self-supporting enterprise. No City of Fresno general funds are used to operate Fresno Yosemite International or Fresno Chandler Executive Airport.
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