Boeing

Emirates today became the first carrier in the Middle East to accept delivery of a Boeing 777-300, the higher-capacity model of the popular twin-aisle jetliner. This 777-300 is the first of four such airplanes Emirates will take delivery of over the next several months. Taking center stage at the sixth Dubai Air Show - "Dubai 2000," the airplane features the carrier's new livery.

"We are honored that Emirates chose to launch its new livery with the Boeing 777-300 at the Dubai Air Show," said Seddik Belyamani, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Group executive vice president - Sales and Marketing. "It is a great symbol of our 'Building the Future of Flight' theme for Dubai 2000."

The newly accepted 777-300 will join Emirates' current 777 fleet of three 777-200s and six 777-200ER (Extended Range) airplanes that are flying to Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, Far East and Australia.

"Emirates is the symbol of Dubai's success and a global representation of our progress into the 21st century," said HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Defense Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the Crown Prince of Dubai. "Today marks another milestone in Emirates' history - a new corporate livery and the arrival of its latest wide-bodied aircraft."

At 73.9 meters (242 feet 4 inches) from nose to tail, the 777-300 is the longest airplane in the world, exceeding the Boeing 747-400's length by 3.2 meters (almost 11 feet). With a maximum takeoff weight of 299,370 kilograms (660,000 pounds), and a fuel capacity of 171,160 liters (45,220 gallons), the 777-300 will serve routes up to 10,927 kilometers (5,900 nautical, 6,790 statute miles). This latest Boeing twin-aisle airplane carries up to 394 passengers in a typical three-class configuration - 20 percent more passengers than the 777-200.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 892 engines, Emirates has configured its 777-300 to carry 380 passengers - 18 in first class, 42 in business class and 320 in the economy section.

The 777 has become the fastest-selling jetliner in its class since Boeing launched the program in October 1990. The 777's design offers features, innovations and approaches to airplane development that set the standard for delivering value to airlines.

The Boeing 777 has been selected by passengers as the most preferred airplane in its class. A survey of nearly 6,000 European and Middle Eastern airline passengers found the Boeing 777 twin-aisle jetliner was preferred by more than three out of four passengers over other competing airplanes. To date, 28 customers worldwide have placed orders for nearly 430 777s. Since its launch in 1990, the Boeing 777 family has captured 61 percent of the market for airplanes in its class.