First Boeing 777 Freighter Delivered Today.

The long anticipation for Boeing’s 777 comes to a close, as Air France Cargo will be receiving the first Boeing 777 freighter. The aircraft is scheduled to depart Boeing’s Everett base for Paris’s Charles De Gaulle. You might remember that the 777 freighter, which is based off of the 777-200L,  first flew on July 14th. Recently, on February 3rd, the aircraft was certified by the FAA. A nice overview of the aircraft is written on Boeing’s website, “With a maximum takeoff weight of 766,000 pounds (347,450 kilograms), the 777 Freighter will have a revenue payload capability of 226,800 pounds (103 metric tons). The 777 Freighter will be capable of flying 4,880 nautical miles (9,038 km) with a full payload and general cargo market densities, making it the world’s longest-range twin-engine freighter.” Let’s review some significant events that led up to this:

• The 777F was launched on May 23, 2005 – expected first delivery was late 2008.
• Air France named launch customer on May 23, 2005 – 5 firm, 3 options
• November 7, 2006, FedEx canceled their orders for A380Fs – 15 orders for 777F instead, + 15 options
• May 21, 2008, the aircraft was officially unveiled in a roll-out ceremony.
• On July 14, 2008, the 777F made its first flight.
• September 6, 2008, 57-day International Machinist and Aerospace Workers Union Strike halted production.
• February 7, 2009, Boeing announced that the aircraft has been certified by the FAA & EASA.
• February 19, 2009, First delivery to Air France.

Boeing currently has 73 firm orders for the 777F, all from 12 customers.

This is great news for Boeing. It brings me back to Boeing’s goals / agenda for 2009:

The key goals for BCA this year, highlighted in the email, are:  ”Successfully executing our development programs (including certifying the 777 Freighter, flight testing the 787 Dreamliner, beginning final assembly of the 747-8 and continuing production of the P8-A), Delivering on our strong backlog by meeting our commitments to our customers, Continuously improving quality and productivity, Continuing the high level of customer support provided by Commercial Aviation Services.”

They can check off one goal for this year. Of course, they still are buried in catching up / staying on time, but so far so good for 2009. Boeing’s new targets for the 787 look to be managable, and I think many are looking forward to the 747-800 as well. Regardless, congratulations to Boeing for getting this project out the door – now they just have to build them.