Boeing's new 747 starts first test flight

Boeing Co's 747-8 Intercontinental, the new passenger version of its legendary jumbo jet, began its maiden flight on Sunday, marking a key milestone for the aircraft model more closely associated with Boeing than any other plane.
The behemoth began its first test flight from Boeing's Paine Field near Seattle into clear blue, skies at 9:58 am local time. The take-off, witnessed by thousands of Boeing employees and aviation enthusiasts, occurred almost 42 years after the first flight of the original 747, which later became one of the most recognised planes in the world.
The flight was set to last about four hours, concluding at 2 pm at Boeing Field in Seattle. The 747-8 Intercontinental will seat 467 passengers, 51 more than the current version of the 747. It promises to burn less fuel and offer more passenger comforts. The plane also boasts new wings, a new tail, state-of-the-art engines and a new cockpit.
The 747 was the world's largest airplane until 2005, when Airbus unveiled its 525-seat A380.