When two of the stars of the Paris Air Show left Le Bourget last week, they still had some stops to make in Europe. And let me tell you, they got the rock star treatment.

When the 787 landed in Warsaw, you would have thought U2 was arriving for a special concert. From onboard the airplane, our crew said it looked like the entire city turned out to catch a glimpse. Air traffic control was even telling other pilots in the air to look out their windows to see the Dreamliner. Much to the delight of the crowd, the 787 did a touch and go before coming in for landing.

Talk about a warm welcome in Warsaw.

The airplane also received a water cannon salute as it taxied in for a visit with LOT Polish Airlines, which will be the first European customer to receive a 787.

After leaving Warsaw, the airplane headed for Berlin to see airberlin, which will be the first German carrier to receive a Dreamliner.

A beautiful landing in Berlin.

The 747-8 Freighter was also busy after the Paris Air Show, making a stop in Luxembourg to visit launch customer Cargolux. A crowd of more than 1,000 waited to watch the airplane arrive at Luxembourg Wednesday night, even though airport issues at Le Bourget caused it to be a couple hours late. The following day happened to be Luxembourg’s Grand Ducal Birthday celebration — the country’s national holiday. So Cargolux held a family day for its employees, complete with food, drinks and, as a centerpiece, a tour of the 747-8. In the end, about 1,100 Cargolux employees and their families and friends toured through the airplane. It was a great event for Cargolux, and for the Boeing flight test crew that served as their host.

The 747-8 Freighter looks beautiful in Luxembourg.

The attention our airplanes received in Europe shows just how excited our customers and the flying public are about what’s to come later this year. In fact, we’re getting closer to first delivery every day. Both the 787 and the 747-8 have begun function and reliability (F&R) testing, and the 787 has begun extended operations (ETOPS) demonstration (ETOPS testing isn’t required for the 747-8). This is the final phase of flight testing prior to certification. These are huge steps for both programs. F&R testing simulates airline operations, and ETOPS adds engine-out conditions during long flights. Our teams are thrilled to achieve these milestones and we’re looking forward to first delivery of both airplanes with great anticipation.