Boeing 777-200LR Sets Nonstop World Record 20 Years Ago

On November 10, 2005, the Boeing 777-200LR made aviation history by landing at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) after completing a nonstop flight from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The aircraft, known for its exceptional range, flew a remarkable distance of over 11,664 nautical miles (21,601 kilometers) in a record-setting time of 22 hours and 42 minutes. This achievement was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Captain Suzanna Darcy-Henneman, Boeing’s lead test pilot for the 777, piloted the aircraft, making her the first female production test pilot in the company’s history. The 777-200LR, often referred to as the “Worldliner,” was powered by two General Electric GE90-115B engines, which at the time were the most powerful commercial turbofan engines in the world.

Breaking the Distance Barrier

The flight took the 777-200LR eastward over the Pacific Ocean, crossing the International Date Line before reaching North America. It continued over the mid-North Atlantic Ocean, demonstrating its long-range capabilities. Lars Andersen, the vice president and program manager of the 777 program at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, stated, “The 777 has been a leader in its market ever since it first went into service. The 777-200LR Worldliner continues that market leadership by offering unmatched capability that allows airlines to offer passengers nonstop routes to their destinations.”

The 777-200LR surpassed the previous long-distance record held by a Boeing 747-400, which flew 9,200 nautical miles (17,039 kilometers) nonstop from London to Sydney in 1989. It also exceeded the 777-200ER’s record of 10,823 nautical miles (20,044 kilometers) from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur in 1997, despite being a heavier aircraft.

Worldliner Specifications and Market Performance

The first production models of the 777-200LR were delivered in 2006, featuring a capacity of 301 seats and a normal service range of 9,420 nautical miles (17,445 kilometers). Ultimately, only 61 units of this aircraft were produced, primarily due to its niche market for ultra-long-haul routes. The design emphasized high maximum fuel capacity, allowing for extraordinary range but limiting the payload capacity.

Specifications for the Boeing 777-200LR include:
– Seats (2-class): 317
– Range: 8,555 nautical miles (15,843 kilometers)
– Length: 63.7 meters (209 feet 1 inch)
– Wingspan: 64.8 meters (212 feet 7 inches)
– Height: 18.6 meters (61 feet 1 inch)
– Engine: GE90-115B

Despite the cessation of passenger production, the 777-200LR has found success in the freight market. Its design characteristics make it suitable for cargo operations, and many former passenger models are being converted into freighters. The aircraft also serves as the foundation for the Boeing 777 Freighter (777F), which utilizes the fuselage of the -200LR along with enhancements from the -300ER.

The legacy of the 777 family continues to influence modern aviation, including the development of the 777X and the 787 Dreamliner. Innovations in design and engineering, such as the implementation of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), were pioneered with the 777 series, making the aircraft a significant advancement in commercial aviation.

Captain Darcy-Henneman reflected on the significance of the record-breaking flight, stating, “The performance of the 777-200LR during the record flight was exceptional. It took the support of a great team of people to make this historic flight a success. I’m proud to be a part of that team.”

Today, the Boeing 777-200LR remains a rare sight in commercial aviation, with only a select number of airlines operating this model. Major operators include Air India, Air Canada, and Qatar Airways, who utilize the aircraft for long-haul routes that exceed the 7,000 nautical mile threshold.

As aviation technology continues to evolve, the Boeing 777-200LR’s role in establishing the feasibility of ultra-long-haul routes remains a crucial chapter in the history of air travel.