Boeing has premiered its new generation 747 jumbo at its factory in Everett, Seattle, with the first aircraft sporting a striking red-orange livery.
The aircraft manufacturer invited around 10,000 guests to the event, which took place on Sunday evening Pacific Standard Time.
Lufthansa is the launch customer for the jet, and the carrier will use the new aircraft to debut its fully-flat seating in business class, as reported by Business Traveller last year (see online news October 6, 2010).
It has also been reported by airliners.de that Lufthansa will install business class seating on the upper deck of the 747-800 (as opposed to first class as is currently the case), with first class being moved down to the main deck in "the nose", followed by a second business class cabin and then the economy class seating.
The 747-800, also known as the 747-8 Intercontinental or 747-8I, is 5.6 metres longer than its 747-400 predecessor, and one metre longer than the Airbus A340-600, making it the world's longest passenger aircraft.
Boeing said that the one-off Sunrise livery "honours many key Boeing customers whose cultures recognize these colors as symbols of prosperity and good luck".
For more information visit boeing.com.