10/11/2005

Boeing sets new world record

Boeing has broken the world record for the longest non-stop passenger airline flight.

The Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner landed at London’s Heathrow Airport on Thursday afternoon after taking off from Hong Kong on Wednesday.

The flight lasted just under 23 hours and covered more than 11,000 nautical miles or 20,3400 km.

The plane carried 35 passengers, including Boeing executives, journalists, pilots and industry representatives.

Lars Andersen, 777 Program vice president and program manager, said that the flight was a “demonstration of the outstanding operating efficiency and reliability of the Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner”. “The Worldliner uses less fuel to fly farther, carry more passengers, more comfortably and with more revenue cargo than any other commercial jetliner.”

Boeing held the previous record for the longest non-stop commercial flight, set in 1989 by a 747-400 that flew 9,200 nautical miles non-stop from London to Sydney.

The 777-200LR is due to come into service next year with Pakistan International Airlines. In service, the 77-200LR, the fifth 777 model, can carry 301 passengers and baggage.

Qatar Airways, Air India and EVA Air have also announced orders or commitments for the 777-200LR, Boeing announced.

(KMcA/SP)

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