EVERETT, Feb. 20, 1996 -- Major assembly on the newest Boeing 777 model, the -200 increased gross weight (IGW) version, began here today at the Boeing plant. With the first wing components of the longer-range model being assembled, another major milestone has been achieved in the 777 program's five-year history. This first 777-200 IGW, which will roll out of the company's huge wide-body factory this summer, is destined for British Airways.
"This is a significant second step in developing the Boeing 777 family," said Ron Ostrowski, Boeing Commercial Airplane Group vice president and general manager for the Boeing 777 Program. "Our 777 product line is unmatched in offering value to our customers by meeting airline market demands."
The 777-200 IGW is the second member of the 777 family to be produced, following the initial -200 model and preceding the -300, or stretch, 777 model. The 777-200 IGW will have the same physical dimensions as the initial model but will use the wing center section, carrying an additional 13,700 gallons (51,860 liters) of fuel. The engine-thrust ratings for all three engine manufacturers (Pratt & Whitney, General Electric and Rolls-Royce) also will increase from 77,000 pounds to 90,000 pounds.
This new 777 model will fly 8,320 miles (7,230 nautical miles or 13,400 kilometers) with a maximum takeoff weight of 632,500 pounds (286,900 kilograms). In a typical three- class configuration, it would carry 305 passengers. In comparison, the initial 777-200 model can fly 5,680 miles (4,930 nautical miles or 9,130 kilometers) with a maximum takeoff weight of 545,000 pounds (247,210 kilograms).
"We have 250 777s on order from 20 airline customers worldwide, capturing about 80 percent of the market for airplanes in its class," said Ostrowski. "We expect this newest member of the 777 family to be a hot-seller."
The 777-200 IGW would serve such typical routes as London- Los Angeles, San Francisco-Tokyo, Tokyo-Sydney and Chicago- Seoul, as well as routes from the Eastern United States to the Middle East.