East Meadow, N.Y.  Lufthansa, launch customer for the Boeing (NYSE: BA) 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft, inaugurated today commercial service of the new jumbo jet airliner commencing with the route of Frankfurt (FRA) to Washington, D.C.'s Dulles International Airport (IAD). Flight LH416 departed Frankfurt at 9:50am and touch-downed Dulles at 12:45pm. 

In addition to regular scheduled passengers, guests included Dr. Christoph Franz, Deutsche Lufthansa AG 's chief executive officer and chairman of the executive board, Elizabeth Lund, Boeing vice president and general manager, 747 Program,  joined by a delegation consisting of U.S. and international media and other partners. Lufthansa's latest aircraft will provide service between the two cities initially six days a week (excluding Tuesdays) increasing capacity by 6.3 percent.  

Dr.  Franz, said: "With its addition to our fleet, Lufthansa has created a product that is not only in line with our company's commitment to innovation, technology and efficiency, but that also offers qualities and features that are sure to maximize our passengers' in-flight experience. Travelers to and from Washington, D.C. are in for a memorable flight and Lufthansa looks forward to expanding our 747-8 Intercontinental service to other U.S. markets in the coming months."

Lund added: "Lufthansa has provided great inspiration and leadership in helping us design a new Queen of the Skies for the 21st Century, an airplane that Lufthansa will love for its efficiency and reliability, airport neighbors will love for its quiet operations and low emissions, and passengers will love for its beautiful new interior and extra space."

John E. Potter, president and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority commented: "We want to thank Lufthansa for selecting Washington Dulles International Airport for the honor of receiving the very first commercial flight of a Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental anywhere in the world," . "As the international gateway to our nation's capital, Dulles has been honored to remain on the cutting edge of new aircraft technology since its opening 50 years ago. We congratulate Lufthansa on the debut of this impressive new aircraft and thank them for serving Dulles as the launch market from their Frankfurt hub.

Lufthansa's 747-8 Intercontinental airliner is equipped with 362 seats in a three-class configuration (8 first class, 92 business class and 262 economy class). The Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental aircraft features new wings with improved aerodynamics and raked wing tips; new fuel-efficient, U.S.-manufactured GEnx-2B engines contributing to a reduction in fuel burn, emissions and noise according to the manufacturer. 

The aircraft generates a 30 percent smaller noise footprint than the 747-400 and brings double-digit improvements in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions per passenger. The 747-8 Intercontinental fuselage is 250'2" long, which is 18'4" longer than the 747-400. The stretch also provides Lufthansa with 26 percent more cargo volume.