Airline News and Hotel Updates: Boeing Delivers No. 300 of its Best-Selling 777

Friday, 28 October 2011

Boeing Delivers No. 300 of its Best-Selling 777

Boeing's best-selling 777, the 777-300ER (extended range), has surpassed 300 deliveries with a delivery late last week to first-time customer Biman Bangladesh.

As of 30 September 2011, the 777-300ER has 543 orders. The 777 program (all models) has received a total of 1,288 orders and the program has a backlog of 325 orders.

"Introduced into service in 2005, the 777-300ER is the best seller for a reason," said Larry Loftis, 777 vice president and general manager. "It is distinguished by its fuel efficiency, award-winning cabin interior, range ? it can fly point to point bypassing crowded hub airports ? and its commonality with the Boeing 767 and 787."

The 777-300ER has been ordered by 37 customers around the globe. Twenty-seven customers now operate the 777-300ER; 10 additional customers will take delivery of their first 777-300ERs through 2014.

Approximately 35% of the 777-300ER was changed from earlier 777 models. Each wing was extended by 6.5 feet (1.98 m) by adding raked wingtips, which reduce takeoff field length, increase climb performance and reduce fuel burn.

The body, wing, empennage and nose gear of the airplanes were strengthened and new main landing gear, wheels, tires and brakes were installed. New semi-levered landing gear permits takeoffs on shorter runways.

The struts and nacelles were modified to accommodate the significantly higher-thrust engines. The airplanes are powered exclusively by the General Electric GE90-115BL engine producing 115,300 pounds (512 kn) of thrust.

Boeing's updated Current Market Outlook forecasts the twin-aisle market a the fastest-growing segment of the market over the next 20 years with a demand for 7,000 new airplanes in the 777 and 787 size range.