Doe's make me wonder if these 3 new -8's are really a new deal or just firming up some of the options we already had? I read there are a few 'white tails' on the production line now, and given the short delivery time I'd wager we picked up a good deal on a couple of these!
The three birds were Air China Cargo's and were in the Boeing delivery schedule coming down the line, their customer code was changed to CX a month or so ago, certainly not white tails and should be the latest spec when they are delivered.
L/N 1483 - 747-867F, RC561 (former RC631), Cathay Pacific #11
L/N 1484 - 747-867F, RC562 (former RC632), Cathay Pacific #12
L/N 1486 - 747-867F, RC563 (former RC633), Cathay Pacific #13