Boeing delivers latest 777 passenger

Air France is celebrating the delivery of its 60th Boeing 777 passenger jetliner. The airplane, a 777-300ER (Extended Range) model, landed in Paris earlier. Air France’s newest 777-300ER seats 468 passengers in a three-class configuration. The brand-new cabin includes 14 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. It also features 32 “Alize” new premium economy fixed-shell seats offering 40 percent additional space compared with seats in economy class. Air France, a member of Sky Team, will operate this 777-300ER between Paris and the French Overseas Departments in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean regions, including Fort de France, Pointe a Pitre and St-Denis de la Reunion. By summer 2012, Air France will operate a total of 62 777 passenger jetliners and two 777 Freighters. The 777-300ER is 19 per cent lighter than its closest competitor, greatly reducing its fuel requirement. It produces 22 per cent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 per cent less to operate per seat. Last year was the best year on record for 777 sales with 200 orders from 24 customers, topping the previous record of 154 set in 2005. Production is at an all-time high for the program and a 20 percent rate increase begins this fall, increasing from seven to 8.3 airplanes per month. The program will begin building 100 airplanes per year beginning in 2013. To date, Boeing has recorded orders for 1,367 777s to 64 customers around the globe.