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.

FMI: www.boeing.com