First 777F For Air France Rolls Out

The first Boeing 777 Freighter destined for delivery to launch customer Air France is due to roll out of the hangar at Everett in the small hours of November 20th, 2008.

This is the third 777F built and will not take part in the certification efforts. Boeing cites the recent IAM strike as the key reason for the delay to delivery in early 2009, having been the one key Boeing program to have stayed on track and on target since the model first flew in mid-July 2008.

Around two-thirds of the planned certification goals have been met, and despite the setback, Boeing remains confident of the first delivery being achieved sooner rather than later.

Image courtesy of Matt Cawby

“The 777 is the mainstay of our long-haul fleet and elemental to our success and future growth plans. We look forward to further integration of this exceptional airplane when Air France takes delivery of the world’s first 777 Freighter,” says Pierre Vellay, senior vice president of New Aircraft and Corporate Fleet Planning for Air France.

Air France has orders and options for up to eight 777F’s.

The 777 Freighter will be capable of flying 4,885 nautical miles (9,045 km) with a full payload and general cargo market densities, making it the world’s longest-range twin-engine freighter. The airplane’s range capability will translate into significant savings for cargo operators: fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.

The 777 Freighter will feature capacity never seen before on a twin-engine freighter, accommodating 27 standard pallets (96 in x 125 in; 2.5 m x 3 m) on the main deck. The industry-standard 10-foot-high (3.1 m) pallets will be accommodated by the large main deck cargo door that will make use of the airplane’s volume capability. The lower cargo hold has the capacity for 10 pallets, as well as 600 cubic feet (17.0 cubic meters) of additional bulk cargo. (Source: Boeing)

China Southern Airlines is due to take delivery of the fourth 777F and Emirates SkyCargo is due to receive the fifth 777F in early 2009.

8 comments November 20th, 2008