Boeing 777-200LR completes World Tour
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BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
17th August, 2005: The Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner, the world's longest-range commercial airplane, returned to Seattle last Sunday after completing its `Going the Distance' tour. The flight travelled to 24 cities across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America, during its 61-day world tour.
The tour began on June 9, 2005, with a flight from Montreal to Paris. The 777-200LR had a week-long stay at the Paris Air Show, Boeing Company said in press release.
The plane visited Singapore, Islamabad, Beijing, Dubai, Sydney, Hong Kong, Mumbai, London, Mexico City, New Delhi, Taipei, Doha and Newark, before concluding its journey at Seattle.
"On this tour the 777-200LR demonstrated its unmatched range capability, as well as its superior efficiency and passenger comfort," Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President and Program Manager (777 Program) Lars Andersen said.
"The response to the airplane from airline customers around the world has been overwhelmingly positive," he added.
During the tour, the 777-200LR flew a distance of over 70,000 nautical miles (129,640 km) and visited 17 countries. General Electric Aircraft Engines, Bose, Thales, AeroMobile, Motorola and Teague were among Boeing's tour partners.
Boeing would continue to test the plane, as it is preparing for certification later this year. The aircraft manufacturer intends to deliver its first 777-200LR to Pakistan International Airlines by early 2006.
The 777-200LR, capable of connecting virtually any two cities in the world non-stop, is the fifth 777 model. The airline can carry 301 passengers and baggage up to 9,420 nautical miles (17,445 km).
Later this year, the Worldliner will attempt a new record for nonstop distance traveled by a commercial airplane. The current record -- 10,823 nautical miles (20,044 km) -- was set in 1997 by the 777-200ER.
BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
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