Boeing gets US, European safety approval for 747-8

Boeing has received safety clearance from the U.S. and Europe for the 747-8 freighter, clearing the way for the plane to be delivered to its first customer next month.

Boeing said Thursday it has received certification from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency. The agencies reviewed data from more than 1,200 flights covering 3,400 hours since the first one flew on Feb. 8 of last year.

The new freighter version is 250 feet long — 18 feet, 4 inches longer than the 747-400 freighter.

Boeing expects to deliver the first of the planes to its first customer, Cargolux, in September.

Boeing shares rose 3 cents to $58.96 in morning trading.