Boeing 777F

Boeing launched the 777-200LR and its freighter sibling in February 2000 as second-generation, longer-range 777s. The aim was to reach almost any city pair on earth nonstop. They combine the -200 fuselage with the raked wingtips, strengthened structure and General Electric GE90-110/115 engines developed for the 777-300ER. Cargo demand was rising fast, and Boeing planned a freighter from the start. No airliner had been designed for quite that reach.

The -200LR, nicknamed Worldliner, first flew on March 8, 2005, and Pakistan International Airlines began service in February 2006. In November 2005 one flew from Hong Kong to London the long way, east over the Pacific and North America. It covered 21,602 kilometers in 22 hours 42 minutes. That distance record for an airliner still stands. Boeing had built easily the longest-legged airliner in the world.

Only about 60 passenger -200LRs were built, since most airlines did not need the extra range. The 777F freighter did far better. It shares the airframe, engines and fuel capacity, flew in 2008, joined Air France in 2009. Passed 260 deliveries to FedEx, Qatar Airways Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo and Lufthansa Cargo. Most aircraft logged as B77L are freighters. Cargo, not passengers, is what made the design pay.

The 777-200LR and 777F use only the General Electric GE90-110B1 or -115B, the most powerful turbofans in service. Up to three extra fuel tanks fit in the rear cargo hold for extreme range. Raked wingtips stretch the span to 64.8 meters, and the strengthened wing and gear come from the -300ER.

The flight deck matches every other 777, keeping one type rating across the family. Passenger cabins hold about 300 people, while the windowless 777F swallows just over 100 tonnes of cargo on its main and lower decks. Range remains the type's calling card.