Boeing plans to build world's longest-range passenger jet

Aviation Nigeria

Boeing has shown airlines a blueprint for the world's longest-range passenger jet, adding spice to a long-awaited revamp of its 777 wide-body jet, people familiar with the matter said.

Boeing on Wednesday launched a race against Airbus for sales of the newest long-haul jets by announcing it had begun selling an upgraded aircraft family code-named 777X. First seen in the 1990s, the 777 cornered the market for large twin-engine aircraft able to fly routes previously only possible with four engines, earning it the nickname "mini-jumbo."

Analysts say the 777 is Boeing's most profitable plane, thanks largely to the 777-300ER, a 365-seat version that began operations in 2004.

Most of the industry's attention is now focused on a future 400-seat version known as the 777-9X, which is Boeing Co's response to a growing challenge from the largest version of Europe's newest aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000.

But talks between Boeing and potential buyers have also generated interest in a 777-8X that would be a successor to the 777-200LR, the industry's current distance champion, with a range of more than 9,300 nautical miles, people briefed on the talks said.

The 777-8X, boasting a range of 9,500 nautical miles, would be designed for some of the world's longest trips such as from the Middle East to South America.

"They are offering an ultra-long range aircraft in the 777-8X," said an industry source briefed on the plans. "It'll be the longest range aircraft in the business."

Boeing declined to comment on specifics, but spokeswoman Karen Crabtree said the company is working with customers to fine tune the details. Experts say ultra-long range planes deliver mixed benefits to airlines and so far the market for them remains a niche, overshadowed by the juggernauts designed for trunk routes.

That is because when modern aircraft fly the longest 15-hour flights, the first few hours are spent mostly burning the fuel needed to carry even more fuel for the rest of the flight.

These aircraft "carry more fuel to carry more fuel," said consultant Richard Aboulafia of Virginia-based Teal Group.

"They need a very big wing with lots of (fuel storage) capacity, which means lots of structure and weight."

Fuel is not the only source of extra weight. The long journey times also mean loading extra meals and a reserve crew, so that the fuel burned per hour - a measure of efficiency - can end up greater than if the plane simply stopped en route.

Airlines must balance this against any extra revenue they can charge for a direct flight and the ability to eliminate the fuel wasted in climbing and descending twice, as well as en-route landing fees and other costs linked to a stopover.

Source: Reuters

Boeing delivers 777-300ER Jetliners to American Airlines.

Sky Watch Nigeria.

Boeing delivered to American Airlines yesterday its first 777-300ER (extended range) jetliner as part of the airline's fleet modernization effort and global network strategy. The delivery makes the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier the first U.S. airline to add the 777-300ER to its fleet.

American Airlines plans for the airplane to enter service in early 2013 on the Dallas/Fort Worth-Sao Paulo route.

"This marks an important milestone in our fleet renewal program and is another tangible example of our progress in building the new American for our customers and our people," said Bella Goren, American's chief financial officer. "This aircraft will provide our customers with a new level of comfort and convenience, along with delivering increased efficiency and better operating economics."

American's 777-300ER is configured with three classes, featuring lie-flat seats in First and Business Class. 

The airplane also is equipped with the Panasonic eXConnect Wi-Fi system, which Boeing installed during production, to keep passengers connected while traveling internationally.

"This delivery demonstrates American's commitment to transforming its fleet into one of the youngest and most fuel efficient in the industry," said John Wojick, senior vice president, Global Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. 

"The 777-300ER is the ideal airplane for American's fleet renewal effort providing unparalleled operating economics, long-range capability, reliability and passenger comfort."

The Boeing 777-300ER extends the 777 family's span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. 

The airplane is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat. 

The airplane can seat up to 386 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km). The 777 family is the world's most successful twin-engine, twin-aisle airplane.