Hong Kong Trader First Flight

Two weeks ago we brought you exclusive coverage of the delivery ceremony for B-LJA (msn: 39238), the first 747-8F built for Cathay Pacific which picks up the mantle of Cathay’s first 747-200 freighter, the original Hong Kong trader purchased from British Airways back in 1981 and retired in 2008.

Today Cargo Facts was on hand for the Hong Kong Trader’s maiden flight, a two-hour journey along the pacific coast and back from Paine Field in Everett. The aircraft is seen just after landing, with the ram air turbine still deployed (just under the wing root). First flights tend to test out much of the equipment including the rarely seen or used, but essential, R-A-T.

The flight comes two days after the delivery of the first 747-8F to British Airways World Cargo (by way of Global Supply Systems). The second Atlas/GSS/BA Cargo 747-8F is out of the paint shop and was seen on the flight line today.

Photographer: Alex Kwanten