EVERETT, May 21, 1998 -- The Boeing 777-300 was showcased today in a ceremony celebrating its first delivery - to Cathay Pacific Airways of Hong Kong.
During the ceremony, Boeing Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Phil Condit said, "This is a very special delivery for both Cathay Pacific Airways and The Boeing Company. This marks the first delivery of the newest member of the Boeing 777 family, the 777-300. It also demonstrates Cathay Pacific's commitment to aviation leadership, with one of the most modern fleets of aircraft of any airline in the world."
Cathay Pacific was one of four of the world's premier airlines placing the initial orders for the 777-300 in 1995. The airline currently operates four 777-200s, and has an additional six 777-300s on order. Peter Sutch, chairman of the Swire Group in Hong Kong and chairman of Cathay Pacific, remarked, "Today, Cathay Pacific becomes the first customer for the Boeing 777-300 - an aircraft we have long awaited, and are now delighted to have. Longer than a Boeing 747 and just as imposing, this aircraft fills an important need in Cathay Pacific's fleet plans. Its two Rolls-Royce 800 engines are the powerplants we need to ensure that this aircraft becomes the high-capacity workhorse for our short-haul Asian regional network."
Cathay Pacific Airways and Boeing have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship for nearly 30 years, since Cathay received its first 707 in 1970. The airline was a launch customer for the Boeing 747-400, the 777-200 and the 777-300. The airline currently operates 54 Boeing jets.
The 777-300 is the largest member of the Boeing 777 airplane family. With a maximum takeoff weight of 660,000 pounds (299,370 kilograms) and a fuel capacity of 45,220 gallons (171,160 liters), it will serve routes up to 6,560 statute miles (5,700 nautical, 10,500 kilometers). The 777-300 carries 350 to 550 passengers -- 20 percent more passengers than the 777-200 -- depending on configuration.
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 892 engines, Cathay Pacific has configured its 777-300 to carry 80 business and 287 economy passengers, for a total of 367. The carrier plans to use the airplane initially on its prime regional routes, such as those between Taiwan, Japan, Singapore and Bangkok.
As of May 21, 27 customers worldwide had placed orders for 392 777s. Since its 1990 launch, the Boeing 777 family has captured more than 67 percent of the market for airplanes in its class.