Longest-Range Commercial Aircraft Back In Seattle
The Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner, the
world's longest-range commercial airplane, returned to Seattle this
past Sunday after completing its "Going the Distance" tour that
took the airplane to 24 cities across the globe.
The tour began the evening of June 9 with a flight from Montreal
to Paris, where the 777-200LR had a week-long stay at the Paris Air
Show. The 777-200LR visited cities across the Middle East, Asia,
Europe, Australia, and North America. Among the cities visited were
Singapore, Islamabad, Beijing, Dubai, Sydney, Hong Kong, Mumbai,
London, Mexico City, New Delhi, Taipei, Doha and Newark.
"On this tour the 777-200LR demonstrated its unmatched range
capability, as well as its superior efficiency and passenger
comfort," said Lars Andersen, vice president and program manager,
777 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The response to the
airplane from airline customers around the world has been
overwhelmingly positive."
During the 61-day world tour the 777-200LR flew a distance of
more than 70,000 nautical miles (129,640 kilometers); made 38
separate flights, and visited 17 countries. General Electric
Aircraft Engines, Bose, Thales, AeroMobile, Motorola and Teague
were among Boeing's tour partners.
The 777-200LR will continue its flight testing as Boeing
prepares the airplane for certification later this year. The first
777-200LR will be delivered to Pakistan International Airlines in
early 2006.
The 777-200LR, capable of connecting virtually any two cities in
the world nonstop, is the fifth 777 model. In service it can carry
301 passengers and baggage up to 9,420 nautical miles (17,445
kilometers).
The tour airplane's cabin demonstrates new and innovative
features that enhance the 777's reputation as the most comfortable
and passenger-preferred airplane. Advances in safety, efficiency
and security, such as the Boeing Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), are
incorporated into the airplane.
In addition to Pakistan International Airlines, other airlines
that have ordered or announced commitments for the 777-200LR
include Air India, Jet Airways, EVA Air and Qatar Airways.
Later this year, the Worldliner will attempt a new record for
nonstop distance traveled by a commercial airplane. The current
record -- 10,823 nautical miles (20,044 kilometers) -- was set in
1997 by the 777-200ER (Extended Range). Details of the record
flight will be released in the weeks ahead.