British Airways Receives First GE-powered Boeing 777

SEATTLE, Nov. 11, 1995 -- The first Boeing 777 powered by General Electric GE90 engines was delivered to British Airways today during ceremonies at the Boeing Everett, Wash., manufacturing facility. Type-design certification of the first GE-powered Boeing 777 airframe/engine combination was awarded by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Joint Aviation Authority on Nov. 9, following an extensive flight-test program.

The delivery marks the culmination of a five-year "Working Together" partnership between Boeing, General Electric and British Airways to design and build this version of the most advanced twinjet in commercial aviation history. British Airways became a 777 customer in August 1991, with an order for 15 Boeing 777s, plus 15 options. Prior to that, British Airways was one of the group of major airlines that helped Boeing define and develop the 777 configuration.

"British Airways flies its first 777 home today, knowing they have worked together with Boeing and General Electric to create a reliable, service-ready airplane," said Boeing Commercial Airplane Group President Ron Woodard. "The 777's comfort and speed will delight British Airways customers."

Alistair Cumming, British Airways managing director of Engineering, was on hand to accept delivery of the new twinjet.

"With this new 777, British Airways passengers will experience the latest in comfort and service," he said. "This is an airplane designed with great input from the airlines and British Airways is pleased to have been a part of that design."

British Airways plans to introduce the Boeing 777 on routes from London to Dubai and Muscat, in the Gulf, later this week. The airplane will be used on flights to Paris and on daily Cairo service shortly. Following extended- range twin-operations certification by the FAA and JAA, British Airways will operate the 777 between London and U.S. East Coast destinations, such as Boston and Philadelphia.

The first five Boeing 777s delivered to British Airways will have a range of up to 5,330 miles. The 10 remaining aircraft from the firm order will be of the longer-range version, with capability to fly up to 7,300 miles.

The Boeing 777 has undergone the most comprehensive flight- testing effort in commercial aviation history. The total flight-testing effort -- to certify the 777 with Pratt & Whitney, General Electric and Rolls-Royce engines -- will involve nine airplanes and result in almost 7,000 flight hours derived from more than 4,900 flight cycles.

The Boeing 777, which has garnered more than 75 percent of its market since being launched in October 1990, has announced orders of 177 aircraft from 16 customers on four continents. With this delivery to British Airways, there have now been a total of nine 777s delivered to three customers on three continents.