Boeing

The first Boeing 777-300ER, resplendent in Air France colors, takes off on a test flight from Paine Field, near Everett, Wash. The new airplane, under lease from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC), is the first of 16 purchase and lease commitments for the model by Air France and the first of 18 ordered by ILFC.

During the highly successful 777-300ER flight test program last year, the airplane exceeded its original design performance targets. Boeing has sold 71 777-300ERs to seven customers.