European cargo carrier Cargolux’s first Boeing 747-8 commercial flight into the USA landed at Huntsville International airport (HSV) on 21 November.

The launch customer took delivery of the first two 747-8 freighters in October, after a month-long stand-off over a contractual dispute.

HSV received certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to accommodate the 747-8s, which are 18.3 feet longer and 13 feet wider in wingspan than the current 747 models, on its 10,000-foot and 12,600-foot runways.

Cargolux, an all 747 freighter operator, holds 13 747-8F aircraft on order.