Engineers provided the design work to Boeing factories and suppliers so they can build parts, assemblies and tools for the world’s longest-range passenger airplane, which will enter service in 2006.
"This milestone brings us even closer to building an airplane that will provide non-stop service to almost anywhere in the world," said Lars Andersen, Longer-Range 777 program manager. "We have been designing an ultra-long range airplane that uses 20 percent less fuel per passenger, features 17 percent more cargo volume, and carries 21 more passengers than the A340-500."
The first 777-200LR is scheduled to enter production in October. It rolls out of the factory in the first quarter of 2005. Following a six-month flight test program, first delivery is scheduled during the first quarter of 2006.
Carrying 301 passengers in a three-class configuration, the 777-200LR can fly 9,280 nautical miles (17,170 kilometers). That means that the 777-200LR will extend the range of the market-leading 777 family by more than 1,500 nautical miles (2,775 kilometers), making new non-stop routes such as Singapore-New York, Dallas-Sydney and Dubai-Los Angeles possible.
The twin-engine 777-200LR will be powered by a high-thrust derivative of the General Electric GE90 engine that is offered on existing 777s.
Offering airlines additional flexibility in serving the non-stop routes that passengers demand, the Longer-Range 777s (777-300ER and 777-200LR) have accumulated 76 orders from eight customers worldwide. Orders for five 777-200LR airplanes have been booked by two customers.
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