SEATTLE, March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) finalized an order for 10 777-300ER (extended range) airplanes. The order is worth approximately $2.8 billion at list prices. The new 777-300ERs will help GECAS meet growing airline demand for long-haul passenger airplanes.

“This order adds to our existing portfolio of 777 aircraft,” said Norman C. T. Liu, GECAS president and CEO. “A key part of our strategy is to expand our long-haul product offerings to satisfy customer demand.”

The Boeing 777 is the world’s most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family’s span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. The airplane carries 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).

“The Boeing 777-300ER has generated extraordinary market preference and global popularity, endorsed by industry leaders such as GECAS,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “GECAS has played an important role in the success of the 777, giving Boeing valuable feedback about the airplane’s performance and economics and demonstrating support for the 777’s value proposition over the years. Today’s order again underscores GECAS’s confidence in the 777.”

With today’s announcement, GECAS has ordered 53 777s, including 41 777-300ERs.

The 777-300ER is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, greatly reducing its fuel requirement. It produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat. The 777 family is the world’s most successful twin-engine, twin-aisle airplane

Source and image: Boeing