777 stays the course

摘要

The 777 is one of Boeing's most successful aircraft. It is consistently placed near the top of the Airfinance Journal investors' and operators' poll. As John Trevett, head of consultancy at the International Bureau of Aviation (IBA), points out, its success is a cornerstone of Boeing's position in the marketplace. "The 777 is now the only twin-aisle aircraft being produced by the company in significant numbers, a position it will have to sustain until the 7E7 Dreamliner comes on-stream in 2008," says Trevett, Boeing announced the 777 family in October 1990. The first model to fly was the 777-200 in June 1994. The aircraft obtained US FAA/ JAA type certification in October 1995. Even though the -200's range is limited compared to later models, it is very competitive in terms of operating costs and is particularly attractive to operators of dense short- to medium-haul routes.