BOEING COMPLETES 747-8 BODY JOIN

Boeing has completed the final body join (loading the forward and aft fuselage sections to join with the wing) of the first 747-8 Intercontinental in Everett. The join is a important milestone in the development of the aircraft type as it completes the structural integration and building of the new interior. Pat Shanahan, VP and GM-Airplane Programs at Boeing, says: “We now have the first real look at the size and distinctive shape of the 747-8 Intercontinental.” The 747-8 fuselage is 250 ft.-2 in. (76.3 m.) long, or 18 ft.-4 in. (5.6 m.) longer than the 747-400. “The stretch provides