Boeing Worldliner's test flight reaches Doha

The Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner, the longest range commercial airplane in the world, touched down at the Doha International Airport last week as part of its global test flight prior to its commercial launch in early 2006.

The Worldliner, which began its test flight in Montreal, Canada, on June 8, stopped in Doha on June 27 on the last leg of its Middle East tour.

Qatar Airways announ-ced its intention to buy up to 20 Boeing aircraft, including the new jetliner, at the recent Paris Air Show where the $210 million (Dh771.64 million) aircraft was on display.

Other companies such as Pakistan International Airlines, which will be the launch customer of the Worldliner in 2006, Air India and Air Canada have already placed orders for the new aircraft.

Lee Monson, Boeing commercial airplane vice-president for Middle East and Africa, said the 777-200LR would enable airlines to launch new non-stop routes and explore markets that once could only be accomplished with one or more stopovers.

"Non-stop travel is set to grow over the next couple of decades and Boeing's product strategy will help airlines leverage this trend," he said.

Bradley Till, Boeing's regional director for product marketing, told a press conference in Doha yesterday the 777-200LR Worldliner was capable of connecting virtually any two cities in the world non-stop and can fly up to 20 hours.

The twin-engine airplane has a capacity for 301 passengers in a three-class configuration. With a range of 17,446 kilometres it can carry more passengers and more revenue cargo than any other jetliner, he added.

About 35 per cent of the 777-200LR's design has been changed from earlier 777 models. Each wing has been extended 6.5 feet by adding raked wingtips, which help reduce take-off field length, increase climb performance and reduce fuel burn. The airplane is powered exclusively by the General Electric GE90-110BIL or GE-90-115BL, the most powerful commercial jet engines in the industry.

Other changes to the Worldliner include strengthened body, wing, empennage and nosegear, new main landing gear, wheels, tyres and brakes; and modified struts and nacelles to accommodate the higher-thrust engines.

Seat-mile costs are 14 to 16 per cent lower than for competing aircraft. Fuel burn is also about 22 per cent lower per seat. Advanced 777 technology reduces maintenance costs and makes maintenance more efficient, he said.

According a worldwide survey, conducted by numerous airlines and including nearly 6,000 passengers, the 777 cabin is preferred by more than three out of four passengers, Till said. Some 517 Boeing 777s are in service.

The Worldliner offers overhead crew and attendant rest areas in the fuselage crown above the passenger cabin, freeing space for either four to seven revenue passenger seats or up to six LD-3 cargo containers.

The Worldliner's Going the Distance tour is covering 24 destinations in five continents in 50 days.