With a maximum takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds, the 747-400ER is now the world's largest and fastest subsonic commercial airplane. While it is the same size as the 747-400, it can allow airlines and cargo carriers to fly longer routes, or carry more cargo or passengers on existing routes. Boeing launched the 747-400ER Freighter on April 30, 2001 with an order from International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) for five freighter airplanes, the first of which entered service in October 2002.