On May 21, the Boeing Company debuted the new 777 Freighter. Employees, suppliers, airline customers and community officials celebrated the world's most capable twin-engine cargo airplane during two debut events.

"We are excited to debut the newest member of our 777 and freighter families," said Larry Loftis, vice president, 777 program. "Today is a tribute to the dedication and hard work our employees, customers and suppliers put into making this airplane a reality. The 777 Freighter's unmatched range, efficiency and capacity as a twin-engine cargo airplane will build on the Boeing leadership in the cargo market."

With a maximum takeoff weight of 766,000 pounds (347,450 kilograms), the 777 Freighter will have a revenue payload capability of 226,000 pounds (103 metric tons).

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.

"Anytime you develop a new airplane that will deliver unmatched performance, there are challenges to overcome," said Kim Pastega, deputy program manager and deputy chief project engineer, 777 Freighter program. "By working together with our customers and suppliers, we found a way to meet those challenges and build the best possible new cargo airplane. The successful application of 777 technology to the cargo market is reflected in the broad customer base for the airplane."

To date, Boeing has secured 78 firm orders from 11 customers for the 777 Freighter, which accounts for more than 20 percent of the 777 program's backlog. The customer base includes launch customer Air France; China Southern Airlines; Deucalion, which will lease to AeroLogic; Emirates; FedEx; GECAS; Guggenheim Aviation Partners; Korean Air; LAN Airlines; Oak Hill; and Qatar Airways.

"We are very pleased with the high level of participation and input Boeing solicited from the customers in the development of this airplane," said Pierre Vellay, senior vice president of New Aircraft and Corporate Fleet Planning, Air France. "Working as true partners with Boeing on the 777 Freighter, we are pleased with the capability and performance it will bring to the air cargo industry."

Following the debut events, the 777 Freighter will prepare to begin the flight test and certification program in early summer. The first 777 Freighter will be delivered to Air France in the fourth quarter.

Photograph 1: The Boeing Company unveils the new 777 Freighter. Employees, suppliers, airline customers and community officials celebrate the debut of the world's most capable twin-engine cargo airplane.

Photograph 2: Larry Loftis, vice president of the 777 program, Elizabeth Lund, director of 777 manufacturing, and Kim Pastega, deputy program manager and deputy chief project engineer of the 777 Freighter program, introduce the newest member of the Boeing Company's freighter family.