Meanwhile, Boeing established a new world record for distance traveled nonstop by a commercial airplane last week, in its new 777-200LR Worldliner. The airliner flew 11,664 nautical miles — more than halfway around the world. It took off from Hong Kong the evening of Nov. 9, and landed at London Heathrow Airport 22 hours and 42 minutes later, at 1:30 p.m. local time. The airplane traveled eastbound, flying over the North Pacific Ocean, across North America and then over the mid-north Atlantic Ocean en route to London. “The performance of the 777-200LR during the record flight was exceptional,” said Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann, the project pilot leader for the flight. The trip was flown by a team of four pilots who took turns resting and flying. The record was previously held by a 747-400 that flew 9,200 nautical miles nonstop from London to Sydney in 1989. In service, the 777-200LR can carry 301 passengers and baggage up to 9,420 nautical miles. The first 777-200LR will be delivered to Pakistan International Airlines in early 2006. To date, 43 airlines around the world have ordered more than 700 777s, according to Boeing.
