Boeing to launch New 777 Freighter

Boeing is expanding its popular 777 commercial airplane family and now is offering a cargo model that it says will be the world's largest and most capable twin-engine freighter.

Due to enter service in fourth quarter 2008, the new Boeing 777 Freighter is based on the technologically advanced 777-200LR (Longer Range).

"The efficiency, operating economics and range of the 777 are unsurpassed, and cargo carriers around the globe will now share in the value of the 777 family," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally.

The new freighter brings Boeing's 777 family to six models. The first 777-200LR will enter passenger service in 2006.

The 777 Freighter will have a revenue payload capability of 222,000 pounds (101 metric tons) and will accommodate 27 standard pallets (125 x 96 inch; 244 x 318 cm) on its main deck and 10 in its lower cargo hold. It can fly 5,200 nautical miles (9,630 km) with a full payload and market-preferred cargo load density. The 777 Freighter will meet QC2 noise standards for maximum accessibility to noise-sensitive airports.

Both the 777 and 747 Freighters accommodate 10-foot-high (3.1 meter) pallets, providing operators with maximum flexibility.

Boeing forecasts that large widebody freighters (65 metric tons and above in capacity) will comprise 31 percent of the market by 2023.

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