Boeing 747-8 freighter makes taxi tests, last step before first flight

Boeing 747-8 freighter makes taxi tests

EVERETT, Wash. — Boeing Co. is conducting taxi tests on its giant 747-8 freighter, the final step before the new plane makes its first flight.

The company says results of the Saturday afternoon tests will determine whether the plane — the largest aircraft Boeing has ever built — is ready for its inaugural flight, which could come as early as Monday.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes spokesman Tim Bader says pilots are taxiing the plane at low and high speeds at Everett’s Paine Field, and the initial tests appear to be going well. The final say will be with the pilots and engineers in the test program.

The new jet is 250 feet long — about 18 feet longer than the existing 747-400 jumbo jet. Boeing also plans a passenger version of the plane.