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BY TOMICHEN
10 August, 2005: Boeing 777-200 LR Worldliner, the world's largest long-range commercial airplane, has returned to its home base at Seattle after completing its journey around the globe. The tour, termed "Going The Distance", took the plane to 24 cities across the planet.
Boeing's "Going The distance" tour started on June 9, 2005 with a journey from Montreal to Paris, where the Air Show was under way. It stayed there for a week, then moving on to cities in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. Some of the important cities covered by the Boeing Worldliner are Singapore, Islamabad, Beijing, Dubai, Sydney, Hong Kong, Mumbai, New Delhi, Taipei, Doha, London, Mexico City and Newark.
Said Lars Andersen, vice president and program manager, 777 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes: "The Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner has demonstrated its unmatched range capability, as well as its superior efficiency and passenger comfort. The response to the airplane from airline customers around the world has been overwhelmingly positive."
Across 61 days, the Boeing Worldliner covered a distance of more than 70,000 nautical miles (129,640 kilometers); made 38 separate flights, and visited 17 countries. Among the Worldliner's tour partners were General Electric Aircraft Engines, Bose, Thales, AeroMobile, Motorola and Teague.
The Worldliner will continue its flight testing as the company prepares the aircraft for certification later in 2005. The first Boeing Wordliner 777-200LR will be handed over in early 2006 to to Pakistan International Airlines.
Beoing claims that the Worldliner is capable of connecting virtually any two cities in the world nonstop. This is the fifth model in the 777 series. It can fly 301 passengers and baggage up to 9,420 nautical miles (17,445 kilometers).
The Worldliner's cabin diaplays new and innovative features, which boost the 777's reputation as the most comfortable and passenger-preferred airplane. Advances in safety, efficiency and security, such as the Boeing Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), are incorporated into the airplane.
In addition to Pakistan International Airlines, other airlines that have ordered or announced commitments for the 777-200LR include Air India, Jet Airways, EVA Air and Qatar Airways.
After the success of "Going The distance" , Boeing is now planning to set a record for the longest non-stop flight. The current record of 10,823 nautical miles (20,044 kilometers) -- was set in 1997 by the 777-200ER.
BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
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