Lands At Heathrow After 11,664nm Journey

Boeing established a new world record for nonstop distance travelled by a commercial airplane Thursday when a Boeing 777-200LR "Worldliner" landed at London Heathrow after a 22-hour, 42-minute flight that spanned almost 12,000 nautical miles.

"This record-setting distance flight exemplifies the pioneering aviation spirit that has made Boeing a leader in the aerospace industry," said Boeing VP and 777 Program Manger Lars Andersen. "The 777 has been a leader in its market ever since it first went into service. The 777-200LR Worldliner continues that market leadership by offering unmatched capability that allows airlines to offer passengers nonstop routes to their destinations."

The 777-200LR left Hong Kong International Airport at 10:30 p.m. local time Nov. 9 and landed at London Heathrow Airport at approximately 1:30 p.m. GMT Nov. 10. The airplane traveled eastbound towards London, flying over the North Pacific Ocean, across North America, and then over the mid-north Atlantic Ocean en route to London.

As was featured in Thursday's ANN Special Report Aero-Cast, Senior Editor Pete Combs spoke to one of the crewmembers onboard the record-setting heavy, Chuck Cadena, as the airliner was flying over the Pacific enroute to North America.

The crew reported no problems on the record flight.

"The performance of the 777-200LR during the record flight was exceptional," said Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann, the project pilot leader on the flight. "It took the support of a great team of people to make this historic flight a success. I'm proud to be a part of that team."

On its flight from Hong Kong to London , the 777-200LR flew farther than any previous commercial jetliner, surpassing two notable previous distance records. For an airplane its size and class, the 777-200LR replaces the distance record set by a 747-400 in 1989 that flew 9,200 nautical miles (17,039 km) nonstop from London to Sydney.

Also, the 777-200LR exceeded the distance traveled by a 777-200ER (Extended Range) that flew 10,823 nautical miles (20,044 km) from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur in 1997, setting a speed and distance record.

Although the 777-200LR flew farther, this record will continue to stand because the 777-200ER was classified in a lighter weight category for its record attempt.

FMI: www.boeing.com