EVERETT, Wash. -- Boeing and Air France celebrated on Wednesday the 200th direct delivery of a Boeing jetliner – a 777-300ER (extended range) – to the Paris-based carrier.
"The 777 is the backbone of our long-haul fleet. This new aircraft will support Air France's projected growth on long-haul destinations and confirm the Air France-KLM Group's European leadership position on the international network. With this latest delivery, Air France continues to upgrade its fleet, one of the youngest in Europe, and launches its new business class seat," said Bruno Matheu, chief commercial officer of Air France.
"The delivery of this 777-300ER, our 200th airplane delivered to Air France, is a tribute to the 777 and the long-term relationship between Air France and Boeing," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777 offers an unbeatable combination of economics and passenger comfort that will continue to give Air France a competitive advantage in the marketplace."
Air France's new 777-300ER has 383 seats including 42 business class lie-flat seat beds measuring over 78.74 inches (2 m) in length, plus an in-seat entertainment system with 15-inch (38 cm) wide screens in 16:9 format. Air France is a member of Sky Team, and will operate this 777-300ER between Paris and Montreal. In January 2011, it will be operated on the new direct route between Paris and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The first Boeing jet, a 707, was delivered to Air France in 1959. The airline also has operated 727s, 737s and 767s and ordered its first 747s in 1966. Air France first ordered 777-200ERs in 1996 and was a launch customer for the 777-300ER in 2000 and for the 777 Freighter in 2005.
For the 2011 summer season, Air France will be operating a total of 61 777s making it one of the largest 777 passenger fleets in the world. The airline also operates two 777 Freighters and 12 747s. Boeing is scheduled to deliver to Air France one 777 Freighter in 2011 and 11 additional 777-300ERs through 2015. In addition to their direct purchase of Boeing airplanes, Air France has successfully operated many other Boeing airplanes on lease for many years.
The 777-300ER is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, greatly reducing its fuel requirement. It produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat. The airplane has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km). The 777 family is the world's most successful twin-engine, twin-aisle airplane. Sixty-one customers around the world have ordered more than 1,100 777s.
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