World's Biggest Twin-Engine Freighter Due Out In 2008
Boeing is expanding its 777
commercial airplane family and to offer a cargo model that the
company says will be the world's largest and most capable
twin-engine freighter.
Due to enter service in fourth quarter 2008, the new Boeing 777
Freighter is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR
(Longer Range), the world's longest-range commercial airplane. The
777 Freighter will fly farther than any other freighter and will
provide more capacity than any twin-engine cargo airplane.
"The efficiency, operating economics and range of the 777 are
unsurpassed, and cargo carriers around the globe will now share in
the value of the 777 family," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes
President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally. "The 777
Freighter further strengthens our leadership position in the world
cargo market."
The new freighter brings Boeing's 777 family to six models.
Boeing selected the 777-200LR platform for the new Freighter
because it offers the preferred mix of range and payload
capabilities for cargo operators. The first 777-200LR will enter
passenger service in 2006.
Boeing is currently in discussions with several potential
customers for the 777 Freighter and foresees a strong market demand
for an efficient, long-range, high-capacity twin-engine
freighter.
The 777 Freighter will
have a revenue payload capability of 222,000 pounds (101 metric
tons) and will accommodate 27 standard pallets (125 x 96 inch; 244
x 318 cm) on its main deck and 10 in its lower cargo hold. It can
fly 5,200 nautical miles (9,630 km) with a full payload and
market-preferred cargo load density. Delivering the lowest trip
cost of any large freighter, the 777 Freighter will meet QC2 noise
standards for maximum accessibility to noise-sensitive
airports.
The 777 Freighter complements the Boeing 747-400 Freighter
family, which is the air-cargo industry's standard. Both the 777
and 747 Freighters accommodate 10-foot-high (3.1 meter) pallets,
providing operators with maximum flexibility.
The Boeing 747 Freighter family currently constitutes more than
half of the world's total freighter capacity. Boeing freighters of
all models comprise more than 90 percent of the total worldwide
freighter lift. Boeing forecasts that large widebody freighters (65
metric tons and above in capacity) will comprise 31 percent of the
market by 2023.