August 23 - Boeing has received U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification for its new 747-8 Freighter, passing two of the final landmarks on the aircraft's journey into service.

The FAA granted Boeing an Amended Type Certificate (ATC) and an Amended Production Certificate for the747-8 Freighter, while the EASA also granted the company an ATC for the plane.

Boeing said it expects to deliver the first freighter to all-cargo carrier Cargolux in early December. The aircraft logged more than 3,400 hours of flying to receive the certificates from the FAA and EASA. 

The 747-8 freighter has 16 percent more capacity than its predecessor, the B747-400 freighter. 

"This is such a great day for everyone on the 747 team," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Over the last several years, this team has overcome challenge after challenge. Through their hard work and dedication, they have ensured that the 747, the Queen of the Skies, will fly for decades to come."