The 777-200LR Worldliner and 777-300ER (Extended Range) are two long-range airplanes that Boeing has developed to offer airlines additional flexibility in serving the nonstop routes that passengers demand. Launched in February 2000, the two airplanes can fly more passengers farther and faster than the competition, the A340-600 and A340-500.
Factory rollout of the first of the two models, the 777-300ER, took place on November 14, 2002. Flight testing of the 777-300ER began in early 2003, and the first airplane of this model delivered in April 2004 to International Finance Lease Corp., and their customer, Air France.
The first 777-200LR (Longer Range) -- the world's longest range commercial airplane -- was unveiled February 15, 2005. The airplane's first flight took place March 8, followed by a six-month flight-test program. On Nov. 10, 2005, a 777-200LR set a world record for distance traveled nonstop by a commercial jetliner of 11,664 nautical miles (21,601 km) when it landed at London Heathrow airport after traveling eastbound from Hong Kong. First delivery was February 2006 to Pakistan International Airlines.
Longest Range Commercial Airplane in the World
The newest member of the 777 family, the 777-200LR Worldliner has the capability to connect virtually any two cities in the world nonstop. It will carry more passengers and more revenue cargo farther than any other jetliner.
Provisions for up to three optional fuel tanks have been added in the aft cargo area of the 777-200LR to be able to fly a range of 9,380 nautical miles (17,370 kilometers) with full passenger payload (301 passengers). Even without the optional fuel tanks, the 777-200LR can fly as far as the competition, the A340-500. The 777-200LR adds value to the 777 family, and particularly complements the popular 777-200ER. On long-range routes served by the 777-200ER, the 777-200LR provides an additional 53,000 lbs. (24,040 kg) of revenue cargo capability.
The 777-200LR also serves as the platform for the Boeing 777 Freighter, the world's largest, most capable twin-engine freighter. Boeing launched the 777 Freighter in May 2005.
Largest Long-range Twin-engine Jetliner
The 777-300ER extends the 777 family's span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. The airplane carries 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 kilometers).
Boeing has announced several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability. The benefits were also applied during development of the 777-200LR and the 777 Freighter.
Technology
Approximately 35 percent of the 777-300ER and 777-200LR Worldliner design has been changed from earlier 777 models, although passengers won’t notice it. New value-added technology has been added to make the world's most technologically advanced airplane even more high-tech. Each wing has been extended by 6.5 feet by adding raked wingtips to improve overall aerodynamic and fuel efficiency. The raked wingtips help reduce takeoff field length, increase climb performance and reduce fuel burn.
The body, wing, empennage and nose gear of the airplanes were strengthened and new main landing gear, wheels, tires and brakes were installed. New semi-levered landing gear permits takeoffs on shorter runways. The struts and nacelles were modified to accommodate the significantly higher-thrust engines. The airplanes are powered exclusively by the General Electric GE90-115BL engine, the world's largest and most powerful commercial jet engine, producing 115,000 pounds of thrust (derated to 110,000 lbs. on the 777-200LR).
Tail-strike protection is standard on both models. This software feature helps prevent inadvertent scraping of the tail on the runway at takeoff or landing by commanding elevator movement if the airplane's attitude exceeds preset limits.
Economics
The Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner and 777-300ER have seat-mile costs that are 17 to 19 percent lower than the A340-500 and A340-600 models. Fuel burn is considerably lower -- 20 percent lower per seat for the longer-range 777s -- when compared to the A340-500 and A340-600. The 777 also uses advanced technology that lowers maintenance costs and makes maintenance more efficient.
For example, on a typical ultra-long-range route, such as Los Angeles-Singapore, the 777-200LR can carry 21 more passengers and 22,700 lbs. of additional cargo, compared to the A340-500. The twin-engine 777-200LR also consumes nearly 6,500 gallons of fuel less per flight.
Overhead Space Options
Both the 777-300ER and 777-200LR Worldliner offer overhead crew and attendant rest areas in the fuselage crown above the passenger cabin. Most airplanes have crew rest areas either in the passenger cabin or in the cargo compartment. By moving crew and attendant quarters off the main deck, 777 operators can free as many as four-to-seven revenue passenger seats.
Alternatively, using overhead crew rest areas frees up room for additional capacity in the cargo compartment, up to six LD-3 containers. This revenue-generating capability is another innovation the competitor's airplane, the A340, cannot match because of the A340's constrained cross-section design.
Comfort
All 777 models have the Boeing Signature Interior, the most spacious passenger cabin ever developed. In fact, during a recent worldwide survey, conducted by numerous airlines and including nearly 6,000 passengers who had flown on both the 777 and the A330 and A340, travelers said they overwhelmingly preferred the 777.
More than three out of four passengers said they prefer to fly on a 777. The 777's award-winning interior has large overhead compartments that provide passengers with increased stowage capacity. Outboard as well as center stowage units are designed to open downward for convenient loading. When closed, the stowage units fit neatly into the streamlined contours of the interior architecture to allow ample overhead clearance. A six-foot-two inch (1.88 meters) passenger can pass easily under the center bins.
Like other members of the 777 family, both the 777-200LR Worldliner and the 777-300ER offer the widest seats in all classes when compared to the A340. First-class passengers on all 777 models have 21-inch-wide (53 cm) seats, which allow passengers to enjoy the same level of comfort as on the 747. The business-class seats are 20 inches (50 cm) wide -- the same width as the A340's first-class seats. In economy class, 18.5-inch-wide (47 cm) seats -- the widest in the industry -- are standard compared to 17.2-inch-wide (44 cm) seats on the A340.