The 777-200 was the initial A-market model. The first −200 was delivered to United Airlines on May 15, 1995. With a maximum range of 5,235 nautical miles (9,695 km), the −200 was chiefly aimed at U.S. domestic airline operators. Nine different −200 customers have taken delivery of 88 aircraft, with 62 in airline service as of July 2010. The competing aircraft from Airbus is the A330-300.
The 777-200ER ("ER" for Extended Range), the B-market version of the −200, was originally known as the 777-200IGW for its increased gross weight. The −200ER features additional fuel capacity and an increased maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) over the −200. Aimed at international airlines operating transatlantic routes, the −200ER's maximum range is 7,700 nautical miles (14,300 km). In addition to breaking the eastbound great circle "distance without landing" record, the −200ER also holds the record for the longest ETOPS-related emergency flight diversion (177 minutes under one engine), on a United Airlines flight carrying 255 passengers on March 17, 2003, over the Pacific Ocean.
The first −200ER was delivered to British Airways on February 6, 1997. As of July 2011, −200ER deliveries to 33 different customers numbered 415, ranking the −200ER as the most widely produced variant of the twinjet to date. As of July 2010, 434 of the variant were in airline service. The competing aircraft from Airbus is the A340-300.
The 777-200LR ("LR" for Longer Range), the C-market model, became the world's longest-range commercial airliner when it entered service in 2006. Boeing named this aircraft the Worldliner, highlighting its ability to connect almost any two airports in the world, although it is still subject to ETOPS restrictions. It holds the world record for the longest nonstop flight by a commercial airliner, and has a maximum range of 9,380 nautical miles (17,370 km). The −200LR was intended for ultra-long-haul routes such as Los Angeles to Singapore, or Dallas to Tokyo.
Developed alongside the −300ER, the −200LR features an increased MTOW and three optional auxiliary fuel tanks in the rear cargo hold. Other new features include raked wingtips, redesigned main landing gear, and additional structural strengthening. As with the −300ER and 777F, the −200LR is equipped with wingtip extensions of 12.8 ft (3.90 m). The first −200LR was delivered to Pakistan International Airlines on February 26, 2006. As of July 2011, nine different −200LR customers have taken delivery of 52 aircraft, with 3 unfilled orders. The closest competing aircraft from Airbus is the A340-500HGW. |
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