Boeing said Friday it will deliver the first of its new 747-8 cargo planes to launch customer Cargolux on September 19.

Cargolux, which has a total of 13 747-8 Freighters on order, will take delivery of the second plane on September 21, Boeing said in a statement.

Boeing received certification from U.S. and European Union authorities for the cargo plane on August 19.

The 747-8 is a major upgrade of the 747 jumbo jet that launched the era of mass travel some 40 years ago.

The first 747-8 Intercontinental, the passenger version, will be delivered to a private customer in the fourth quarter, according to Boeing.

Germany's Lufthansa will be the first airline to receive that plane in early 2012.