Boeing is planning a further incremental increase in the 777-200IGW (increased gross weight)'s maximum take-off weight (MTOW), in an effort to meet improved range and payload performance requirements from Air France, which is already a customer, and potential client Qantas.
The proposed new weight offering would increase the MTOW of the 777-200IGW to 297,820kg. Boeing has raised the MTOW from 287,160kg to 294,190kg. The first example of the heavier aircraft is now in production.
The 3,630kg increase is designed to address demands for extended range from Air France, which has ordered ten General Electric GE90-powered 777-200IGWs. The higher MTOW is also being proposed to Qantas to serve planned new long-haul routes. The Australian carrier is considering an offer from Boeing for six 777s and six options.
Boeing estimates that the higher MTOW margin will extend the latest revised 777-200IGW's maximum range of 14,100km (7,600nm) by up to 340km. There will be no increase in engine thrust, which is limited by the pylon design to 409kN (92,000lb). Field take-off length will instead be extended from 3,140m (10,300ft) to 3,360m.
The increase in weight would be achieved by narrowing the 777's centre-of-gravity (CG) loading to 5%. "The aircraft will have a narrower CG band than the 648,000lb [294,000kg] MTOW aircraft and, if airlines are willing to live within this limits, they will be able to gain more weight," explains a source.
Source: Flight International
