U.S. and European authorities have certified The Boeing Co.'s longest-range jetliner to begin flying airline passengers worldwide, the company said Thursday.
The announcement came after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency formally recognized that the 777-200LR successfully completed testing and safety requirements during its six-month flight-test program.
The Worldliner, as Boeing calls its latest 777, broke the world record last November for the longest nonstop flight by a commercial jet. It flew 13,422 miles from Hong Kong to London, a flight that took 22 hours and 43 minutes.
During flight testing, two 777-200LRs completed 886 flight hours on 328 flights, and 318 ground test hours.
The first 777-200LR is to be delivered to Pakistan International Airlines later this month. The twin-aisle jet is designed to carry 301 passengers up to 10,840 miles.
It has some of the same features developed as the extended-range 777-300ER, including raked wingtips, which reduce drag. It's designed to carry more weight at takeoff, handle a higher engine thrust and can accommodate up to three additional fuel tanks, which will allow it to fly farther.
Boeing has received 36 orders for the 777-200LR from five airlines, including Taiwan carrier EVA Airways, Dubai-based Emirates Airlines, Air Canada, and Air India.
