Boeing has delivered the first widebody 777-200LR (longer range) airplane for a U.S. carrier to Delta Air Lines. The airplane was revealed and then dedicated by the airline's management in honor of Delta employees, 150 of whom attended the delivery ceremony at Boeing Field.

The airplane is the first of eight Boeing 777-200LRs ordered by Delta Air Lines, enhancing the airline's ability to connect customers and cargo between virtually any two cities around the globe, nonstop. The aircraft is scheduled to enter scheduled service March 8 flying between Atlanta and Los Angeles, and will fly on March 9 from Atlanta to Tokyo.

In tribute to employees and to the original "Spirit of Delta" - a Boeing 767-200 given to the airline in 1982 by employees, retirees and friends - the new Boeing 777-200LR, Ship 7101, will be called "The Delta Spirit" in gratitude to the many accomplishments of Delta's employees worldwide. The aircraft will be officially dedicated to Delta employees in a celebration March 6 in Atlanta.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.delta.com