Boeing today marked the 20th delivery of its new 747-8. The airplane, a 747-8 Freighter, was delivered to Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. Atlas Air will operate it on behalf of Panalpina, the Swiss-based freight operator. This marks the first time in Panalpina’s history that an airplane has been painted in the company’s livery.

The 747-8 Freighter will immediately enter service when it departs Seattle for Hong Kong later today. The airplane, named the ‘Spirit of Panalpina’, will then fly from Hong Kong on to Luxembourg with cargo on board.

Atlas Air has ordered nine 747-8 Freighters, two of which they will operate for Panalpina.

The 747-8 Freighter offers 16 percent more capacity than the 747-400 Freighter. It is environmentally more progressive, with double digit improvements in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions and a noise footprint reduction of 30 percent.

To date, Boeing has now delivered 20 747-8s including 16 747-8 Freighters, three 747-8 Intercontinentals to VIP customers and one 747-8 Intercontinental to Lufthansa.

Boeing press release