DOHA: Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner, the longest range commercial airplane in the world, touched down at the Doha International Airport yesterday, as part of its global test flight that began in Montreal, Canada on June 8.
The aircraft which was displayed at the recent Paris Air Show was on the last leg of its Middle East tour and is scheduled to leave for Beijing, China, today.
The Worldliners "Going the Distance" tour will cover 24 destinations in five continents within 50 days, Bradley D Till, Boeing's regional director, Product Marketing, said at a press briefing held on board yesterday. Besides Doha, the other Middle East stops included Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat.
Qatar Airways is among the several airline companies, which have either placed orders for the airplane, which costs $210m, or are negotiating a deal. Other companies include the Pakistan Airlines (PIA) Air India and the Jet Airways of India.
Launch customer PIA will receive the first 777-200LR Worldliner in January 2006. Orders and commitments for the 777-200LR have more than tripled since the airplane was unveiled in February 2005, said Till.
During its stopover in Doha, the Worldliner's flight test crew, led by Captain Van Chaney and senior Boeing executives, received visitors from the country's airlines and diplomatic corps. The guests were briefed on the latest advancement in comfort, performance and efficiency of the 777-200LR Worldliner aboard the aircraft.
The latest product offering from the Boeing 777 family, the Worldliner is capable of connecting virtually any two cities in the world non stop and can fly 18 to 20 hours continuously, claimed Till.
The twin-engine airplane has a capacity for 301 passengers in a three-class configuration. With a range of 9,420 nautical miles (17,446km) it will carry more passengers and more revenue cargo farther than any other jetliner, he added.
About 35 per cent of the 777-200LR's design has been changed from earlier 777 models. Each wing has been extended 6.5 feet by adding by adding raked wingtips, which help reduce take-off field length, increase climb performance and reduce fuel burn. The airplane is powered exclusively by the General Electric GE90-110BIL or GE-90-115BL, the most powerful commercial get engines in the industry.
Other changes to the Wordliner include strengthened body, wing, empennage and nosegear, new main landing gear, wheels, tires and brakes; and modified struts and nacelles to accommodate the higher-thrust engines.
Seat-mile costs are 14 to 16 per cent lower than for competing aircraft. Fuel burn is also about 22 per cent lower per seat. Advanced 777 technology reduces maintenance costs and makes maintenance more efficient.
According a world wide survey conducted by numerous airlines and including nearly 6,000 passengers, 777 cabin is preferred by more than three out of four passengers, said Till.
The Wordliner offers overhead crew and attendant rest areas in the fuselage crown above the passenger cabin, freeing space for either four to seven revenue passenger seats or up to six LD-3 cargo containers.
The 777-200LR will also serve as the platform for the Boeing 777 Freighter, the world's largest, most capable twin-engine freighter, which is expected to enter service in the last quarter of 2008. Boeing has so far received169 orders and commitment from 13 customers worldwide for the Freighter, said Till.
© The Peninsula 2005
