Boeing 777-200LR Sets New World Record

In a statement issued on November 10, 2005, Boeing claims to have established a new world record for distance traveled nonstop by a commercial airplane. According to the press release, a Boeing 777-200LR (Longer Range) Worldliner landed at London Heathrow Airport after flying 11,664 nautical miles (21,601 km) during a 22-hour 42-minute flight that started in Hong Kong the evening of November 9, 2005.

The distance traveled non-stop by the 777-200LR is farther than any previous commercial jetliner has flown and exceeds a distance of more than halfway around the world.

Boeing says the 777-200LR departed Hong Kong International Airport at 10:30 p.m. local time November 9 and landed at London Heathrow Airport at approximately 1:30 p.m. GMT November 10. The airplane flew over the North Pacific Ocean, across North America, and then over the mid-north Atlantic Ocean en route to London.

"The performance of the 777-200LR during the record flight was exceptional," said Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann, the project pilot leader for the 777-200LR record flight.

Boeing claims the 777-200LR is the world's longest-range commercial jetliner and is capable of connecting virtually any two cities around the globe. It is the fifth 777 model. In service, the 777-200LR can carry 301 passengers and baggage up to 9,420 nautical miles (17,445 kilometers).

The first 777-200LR will be delivered to Pakistan International Airlines in early 2006. To date, 43 airlines around the world have ordered more than 700 777s according to Boeing.