The first 777-200LR is expected to make its maiden flight in mid-March, with certification following by the end of the year. Assembly of a second aircraft - which will join the test effort in May - will start with the front spar load next month.
With the range performance question so crucial to the sales effort, 777 derivatives programme manager Lars Andersen says that NAMS (nautical air miles) tests will be undertaken very early after initial airworthiness work. "We'll try and do it pretty early, particularly because we want to check on the [engine] deterioration. That's been a good thing on the -300ER aircraft that are already in service, so we'd like to get that data in at the beginning."
The -200LRis due to enter service in February next year with launch customer Pakistan International Airlines.
Source: Flight International
