777-200LR Flight Test Journal: Archives

23 November 2005

777 Makes Big Showing at Dubai Air Show

Chuck Cadena, 777 Program - Public Relations

Here at the Dubai air show, visitors can stand in one spot and see aircraft of all types, shapes and sizes. Aerospace companies and governments from around the world bring their very best to display here at the final major air show of the year.

However, and I may be a little biased here, no other airplane made as grand an entrance as the 777-200LR Worldliner. Just a week removed from its world-record distance flight, WD002 arrived Saturday, the day before the start of the air show. The notoriety of the airplane and speculation about possible orders kept anticipation high for its arrival. This is the second time the airplane has been to Dubai this year, having been here during its "Going the Distance" world tour last summer.

As the communicator for the 777 program, my duties at the air show include working with media who are interested in doing reports about the 777-200LR. I coordinate media tours of the plane and arrange media interviews with 777 Program leaders, crew members and others who have accompanied the airplane to the show.

My job is made easier because many of my PR colleagues who are more "senior" and experienced with air shows are here with me. Also, the crew accompanying the airplane has been with it through the Paris Air Show and world tour, so they know how to do this better than I do!

The first day of the air show, Sunday, was BIG. That day the 777 Program received its largest firm order in the history of the program when Emirates announced an order for 42 777s. The news dominated the air show and created tremendous momentum for Boeing throughout the remainder of the show.

The airplane was on static display at the air show Sunday through Tuesday. We held daily media briefings onboard the 777-200LR and conducted numerous interviews with media from around the world. Also, we saw a lot of Emirates employees walk through the airplane. From what I saw, I think they were impressed.

Among the most popular features of the 777-200LR for the guests that toured the airplane were the flight deck, the overhead crew rests and the signage commemorating the record distance flight. Displayed onboard was a map detailing the route we flew on the record flight and some statistics from the journey.

As I write this journal, it is the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 22. For the WD002, the air show is over. It returns tomorrow to Seattle. This is the last time we will show the 777-200LR in the Boeing livery and the configuration used for the Paris Air Show and "Going the Distance" world tour. WD002 is scheduled for one more test flight and then it goes back to the Everett, Wash., factory for "refurb" and will be prepared for delivery to Pakistan International Airlines, the launch customer for the airplane.

I'm so proud of this airplane. The 777-200LR has performed flawlessly for Boeing this year. It dramatically represents our point-to-point product strategy. In fact, the flight to Dubai for the air show and the return flight home demonstrate the capability this airplane offers airlines in the Middle East - direct flights to the West Coast of the United States from this region.

Unfortunately, I have a commercial flight back to Seattle that includes a connecting flight. That journey will last about 27 hours, including a layover (and will be longer than the record distance flight that I was on!!!!). My colleagues flying back on WD002 have a quick 16-17-hour direct flight home ... anyone care to ask me which flight I prefer?