Boeing has started the flight test programme for its new Boeing 747-8 aircraft.
The successful first flight means the new aircraft is on track for delivery in the fourth quarter of this year.
Lufthansa will be the launch airline for the new passenger plane.
The next-generation plane, which was first unveiled in February, has 12% lower costs than its predecessor, the B747-400.
Boeing claims the new aircraft will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any large commercial jetliner, with 16% better fuel economy and less carbon emissions.