Boeing Unveils 777-200LR Worldliner -- Longest Range Commercial
Jetliner
There ain't no Airbus envy in Washington state... Boeing has
just unveiled the first 777-200LR Worldliner -- the world's longest
range commercial airplane -- at a celebration attended by more than
5,000 employees, airline representatives, suppliers, and government
and community leaders.
"This amazing airplane will connect virtually any two cities in
the world with nonstop service,” said Alan Mulally, president
and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The
777-200LR Worldliner is the latest innovation in our highly
successful 777 airplane family. The 777 family consists of five
passenger models and a freighter version in development that safely
and efficiently serve the needs of our customers, while providing
passengers and cargo operators with more of what they want --
affordable, comfortable, nonstop flights to the destinations of
their choice.”
Extending the range of the market-leading 777 family by more
than 1,500 nautical miles, the 777-200LR (Longer Range) allows
airlines to service nonstop routes such as New York-Singapore and
Los Angeles-Dubai at full passenger capacity and carry revenue
cargo. The 777-200LR can carry 301 passengers up to 9,420 nautical
miles.
The 777-200LR Worldliner is the first Boeing airplane entirely
painted in the company's striking blue livery introduced last year.
The airplane's unveiling at today's ceremony also revealed its new
name: Worldliner, which highlights its revolutionary capabilities
to connect cities around the world.
"The 777-200LR Worldliner will enable our customers to open new
nonstop routes and explore new markets that once could only be
accomplished with one or two stops,” said Lars Andersen, vice
president -- program manager, 777 program, Boeing Commercial
Airplanes.
With first flight scheduled for early March, flight-test
employees are putting final touches on the systems they will use to
monitor and evaluate the airplane. The seven-month flight-test
program will include approximately 300 hours of ground and 500
hours of flight testing.
The 777-200LR and the 777-300ER (Extended Range) were launched
in February 2000 by Boeing and GE Aircraft Engines in response to
airlines that wanted new airplanes with additional flexibility to
serve the nonstop routes passengers demand. The first 777-200LR
Worldliner is to be delivered to Pakistan International Airlines in
January 2006. EVA Airways is also a launch customer.
The 777-200LR will also serve as the platform for the Boeing 777
Freighter, the world's largest, most capable twin-engine freighter.
Authority to offer the 777 Freighter was announced in November.
The 777 family has captured over 60 percent of the market since
the airplane's October 1990 launch. More than 38 customers
worldwide have ordered more than 675 777s, including 104
Longer-Range 777s (777-300ERs and 777-200LRs). So far, two
customers have ordered five 777-200LRs.