The new, larger 747 passenger version (747-8 Intercontinental) made its first flight a few weeks ago, and Jon Ostrower at FlightBlogger showed off a video that shows the first hour of the test flight in Google Earth. The video was apparently captured by @lesmond of PlaneFinder.net.
You can track future flights of this plane by using this page on FlightAware, or by using this KML file
to see it in Google Earth.Thanks to GEB reader ‘Ron’, a retired Boeing mathematician, for sending this in to us.
About Mickey Mellen
Mickey has been using Google Earth since it was released in 2005, and has created a variety of geo-related sites including Google Earth Hacks. He runs a web design firm in Marietta, GA, where he lives with his wife and two kids.
A new 747, wow! Are there any airlines already that uses the new 747 in its commercial operations? I’m excited to ride in this new king of the sky.
You can generate your own KML files using planefinder.net for any flight!
The new 747 is larger by about 18 feet and has new wings – much advanced. The freight version is called 747-8F and 70 or so have sold. The passenger version, 747-8 Intercontinental, has been sold to Lufthansa & Korean airlines and some head-of-state sales. Delivery of the freight version is “mid 2011.” The passenger version during 4th quarter 2011.