Will Be Joined By First 777 Freighter Later This Year

Boeing and Air France reached a milestone last week, with the delivery of the carrier's 50th 777. The Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) is the carrier's 25th of that model type, and joins a fleet of another 25 777-200ERs that together comprise the core of the airline's long-haul fleet.

"This is truly a great day for Air France and Boeing," said Pierre Vellay, senior vice president of New Aircraft and Corporate Fleet Planning for Air France. "The 777 is the mainstay of our long-haul fleet and elemental to our success and future growth plans. We look forward to further integration of this exceptional airplane later this year, when Air France takes delivery of the world's first 777 Freighter."

Speaking of that upcoming plane, Air France is the launch customer for the newest addition to Boeing's freighter family. The first 777 Freighter recently left the assembly line (below), and is scheduled to enter flight test later this month.

Over 50 percent of Air France's twin-aisle fleet is composed of Boeing 777s. With the delivery of its first 777 Freighter this year and through the operation of a single 777 platform, Air France should achieve significant synergies between its cargo and passenger business.

"Air France's robust utilization of the 777 speaks volumes about the airplane's performance and capabilities," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Europe, Russia & Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We congratulate Air France on its 50th 777 delivery and it's rewarding to see yet another 777-300ER join the airline's fleet."

Air France's new 777-300ER, the world's largest long-range twin-engine jetliner, will be based at Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.airfrance.com