Boeing 777 Freighter Completes 2 Years in Service

-A total of 39 freighters now operated by nine airlines
-Customer is ‘absolutely delighted with this airplane’

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Hauling everything from giant panda bears to high-performance race cars the Boeing (NYSE: BA) 777 freighter in its first two years in service is earning the reputation as the work horse of the industry.

The growing fleet of 777 freighters has flown approximately 120,000 hours and boasts a daily utilization rate of 11.34 hours. Fleet schedule reliability is at 99.37 percent, which means the freighter has a near-perfect record of on-time takeoff and landings. Eighty-three have been ordered, and 39 freighters now are in service with nine airlines.

FedEx Express is the largest 777 freighter operator with a fleet of 11 currently in operation, and another airplane just delivered. An additional 13 777 freighters remain in Boeing’s backlog for FedEx.  

“The world’s longest range twin-engine freighter is elevating our high level of service to customers around the world,” said James R. Parker, executive vice president of FedEx Express Air Operations. “Our customers are enjoying the nonstop 777 flights that offer them the latest cutoff times in key manufacturing centers in China, an advantage unmatched by the competition.”

Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates airline, now operates two 777 freighters. The airplane is playing an integral role in Emirates’ freighter fleet due to the airplane’s long-range capability.

“Emirates has opted for these brand new, super-efficient aircraft to ensure we are best placed to serve the industry’s requirements in the long term,” said Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo Ram Menen. “We are absolutely delighted with this airplane!”

The 777 freighter is the world’s longest-range, twin-engine freighter and features the lowest trip cost of any large freighter, with high-cargo density and 10-foot (3.1-meter) interior height capability that complements the popular 747 freighter family.

Providing cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes, the 777 freighter can fly 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometers) with a full payload of 225,200 pounds (102 metric tons). The 777 freighter is powered by General Electric’s GE90-110B1L and meets QC2 noise standards.

“The 777 freighter is a great example of how Boeing is committed to continuously improving the 777 family to deliver top value to owners and operators,” said Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager of the 777 program.

Boeing is the air cargo industry leader, using its expertise to support customers in their success and to promote the industry. The company also offers the most complete family of freighters, which provide superior efficiency and operational economics in support of airline profitability.

Watch a video and hear what customers have to say about the 777 freighter: http://bit.ly/gIEL06.

Source and photo: Boeing