Boeing and Lufthansa have approached the next major milestone on the 747-8 Intercontinental programme.

For pre-delivery testing of the new 747-8 Intercontinental at Lufthansa’s main operations base at Frankfurt Airport has begun, said a company spokesman.

Now Lufthansa will conduct a number of tests to help ensure a smooth integration of the newest member of the 747 family into Lufthansa operations.

The airline’s maintenance and engineering personnel will rehearse ground-handling processes for the 747-8 Intercontinental within the company’s facilities and on its ramps at the airport.

In addition, the crews would check how their ground-support equipment accommodates the airplane, Lufthansa added.

These checks will help the airline ensure a smooth entry into service for crews and passengers in early 2012.

The airplane arrived at Frankfurt Airport on December 6 after an approximately nine-hour flight from Seattle.

Three Lufthansa pilots joined two Boeing pilots on the flight crew for the flight.

The 747-8 Intercontinental provides double-digit improvements in fuel economy and carbon emissions per passenger and generates a 30 per cent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400.

The 747-8 Intercontinental applies interior features from the 787 Dreamliner that include a new curved, upswept architecture giving passengers a greater feeling of space and comfort, while adding more room for personal belongings.

Lufthansa has ordered a total of 20 747-8 Intercontinental airplanes. Boeing and Lufthansa share a strong tradition of innovation and partnership which continues with this new airplane.