Lufthansa was the launch customer for the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental passenger jet.
Lufthansa received its first passenger 747-8 in 2012 and introduced the aircraft on scheduled service between Frankfurt and Washington, D.C. The aircraft was the passenger version of Boeing’s final 747 generation and incorporated newer engines, a longer fuselage and updated wings.
The 747-8 Intercontinental differed from the 747-8 Freighter, which entered service earlier with Cargolux in 2011. That distinction causes a common mix-up: Cargolux launched the freighter, while Lufthansa launched the passenger aircraft.
The 747-8 was longer than earlier 747 versions and retained the distinctive hump-shaped upper deck. Lufthansa’s first aircraft carried the airline’s modern cabin products and helped introduce the type to long-haul passengers.