Boeing is expected to conduct a series of "world distance" long-range demonstration flights in mid-2005 to bolster an aggressive sales campaign planned for the 777-200LR.
The aircraft is designed to be capable of ranges up to 17,450km (9,420nm) with a full passenger payload, but will be able to fly much further lightly loaded. The record plan was revealed by Boeing marketing vice-president Randy Baseler on his internet "blog" last week. "After the roll-out I want to talk about some world-record distance flights we have planned for this new aircraft," he says.
The company says: "We don't have a decision yet about what we are going to do. It is possible we could go for a record for the aircraft. It has record-setting potential."
The 777 holds distance and round-the-world record times set in April 1997 when a -200ER flew eastbound from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia over a distance of 20,045km in 21h 23min. The return flight to Seattle was achieved in 18h 39min, setting a 41h 59min round-the-world record. Although Boeing declines to comment, Flight International understands that one option being studied is to operate a 23,000km, 24h non-stop flight, possibly in connection with the Paris air show in June.
This falls in the second half of the flight-test programme, which will involve two test aircraft, both of which are due for delivery to launch customer Pakistan International Airlines after refurbishment. The first aircraft to enter service in January 2006 will be the second test aircraft, WD002, which is scheduled to join the programme in May.
The Airbus A340-500 is now the longest-range airliner in service, and is capable of carrying a typical load of 313 passengers over 16,700km. The aircraft, which is powered by four Rolls-Royce Trent 500s, is used by Singapore Airlines to fly the world's longest scheduled service - the 16,600km route between Singapore and New York Newark.
Boeing says that one of the first routes identified by 777-200LR launch operator PIA for its new twinjets is Karachi to New York, which has a great circle distance of around 11,700km. The airline has indicated that it will also use the -200LRto launch services to the US West Coast.
Source: Flight International
