Thu, Mar 01, 2012
Recognized For Longest Flight In Class, Fastest
Circumnavigation
Jonathan Gaffney, president and CEO of the National Aeronautic
Association, presented Boeing with two certificates confirming the
official status of the two world records earned by the 787
Dreamliner in late 2011. The airplane earned records for completing
the longest flight for an airplane in its weight class (440,924 to
551,155 lbs.) with a 10,336 nmi flight to Dhaka, Bangladesh. This
record had previously been held by the Airbus A330 with a 9,126 nmi
flight in 2002.
Following refueling in Dhaka, the crew continued eastbound and
returned to Seattle 42 hours and 26 minutes after their initial
departure, completing the fastest around-the-world trip for the
same weight class at 470 knots. There was no previous
around-the-world speed record for this weight class.
Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
welcomed Gaffney to an informal ceremony in Everett attended by
more than 2,000 employees. "These world records demonstrate what we
have been saying about the 787 all along – it is a
world-class product. The airlines told us they wanted an airplane
that was fuel-efficient, durable and capable," said Albaugh.
"That's what we are delivering with the Dreamliner."
Gaffney told employees, "Around-the-world records are extremely
challenging, and Boeing should be very proud of the successful
world and national records they achieved with these flights.
We were proud to have had the opportunity to record and certify
them." He presented the certificates to two of the six pilots who
flew the record-setting missions. Capt. Rod Skaar led the crew,
which included former 787 chief pilot Capt. Mike Carriker.
"It's an honor to receive these certificates on behalf of all of
the men and women of The Boeing Company," said Skaar. "It takes an
amazing amount of talent and perseverance to create an all-new
airplane. A lucky few of us get to fly the airplane. We are always
well aware that we are carrying the pride of the entire company as
we go."
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