Boeing 747-8 Certification Completed
 

The Boeing 747-8 completed its flight certification testing program and is now cleared for flight by the FAA.

http://www.komonews.com/news/boeing/126724288.html

so what does that mean for entry into service?

Interesting flight that it took recently to complete it's certification. :D

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/BOE523

Cam, entry into service will be in September with Cargolux.

Oh cool, cheers for that!

Yes indeed! Virtual skywriting by flying a route to "spell" out the numbers 747. USA Today article here.

The Boeing 747-8 has now been certified for entry into service by both the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency. After 3,400 hrs of flight testing, the aircraft should be delivered to launch customer Cargolux early in September.

Congratulations to the Boeing 747-8 team on this milestone.

Video

After all the drama with Cargolux refusing the 1st delivery looks like delivery is going ahead now.

LX-VCB is seen in the video below departing Paine Field for delivery.

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZujUjSsGGBc

Yes Shayne, I saw a mention of both Cathay and Cargolux refusing delivery at first. What was all that about?

Hi Peter,
I haven't been following it too much and am not too good with the technical stuff but I'll give it a shot!! :D
From what I understand Cargolux and Atlas Air were both unhappy with the first few aircraft because they did not live up the specs promised. I think this was because they were heavier due to testing which made the first few frames less fuel efficient then they should be.
As for Cathay Pacific I think they are quite happy with the specs on the first 747-8F's. At the end of the day the first block aircraft are still much more efficient then the 747 classics and 747-400's they replace.