Boeing has delivered a 747-8 Freighter to Narita-based Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA), marking the Japanese debut for the 747-8. The new airplane is NCA’s first 747-8 Freighter on order with Boeing.

“We are excited to take delivery of this new fuel-efficient freighter, which will be a perfect addition to NCA’s cargo fleet,” said Takuzo Nomura, Senior Executive Managing Director, NCA. “The 747-8 Freighter will provide improved economics and efficiency as well as environmental benefits that are all essential in today’s market.”

The airline currently operates eight 747-400 Freighters with two 747-400 Freighters on lease with other airlines.

“Nippon Cargo is a longtime partner and valued customer of the Boeing Company,” said Brad McMullen, vice president of Japan and Oceania Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We will continue to work closely with Nippon Cargo as they integrate the new 747-8 Freighters into their all-Boeing fleet and help to strengthen their commitment as a market leader.”

The environmentally focused Nippon Cargo Airlines will also undertake its first biofuel flight with this milestone 747-8 Freighter delivery. The new airplane will become the first 747-8 to use a blend of environmentally progressive biofuels (jet kerosene and used cooking oil) to fly across the Pacific Ocean.

Nippon Cargo Airlines, one of the launch customers for the 747-8 Freighter in 2005 and also part of a team that helped develop the aircraft, plans to begin revenue service with its new 747-8 Freighter by mid-August on Asia and North American routes.

Boeing press release