Boeing

Boeing [NYSE:BA] recently completed 90 percent of the design for its 777-200LR (Longer Range) passenger airplane, which will fly farther than any commercial jetliner.

The milestone signifies that Boeing is moving from design to production of the world's longest-range passenger airplane, which will carry 301 passengers up to 9,420 nautical miles (17,446 kilometers).

"With over 3,000 engineering events released, program partners and suppliers around the world have begun manufacturing the first detailed parts," said Lars Andersen, Longer-Range 777 program manager. "This airplane will provide non-stop service anywhere in the world, carrying more passengers, offering more cargo volume, consuming less fuel, and flying farther than the A340-500."

The 777-200LR will extend the range of the market-leading 777 family by more than 1,500 nautical miles (2,775 kilometers), allowing airlines to service non-stop routes such as Chicago-Sydney and New York-Singapore at full passenger payload and carry revenue cargo.

The first 777-200LR enters production in October and begins flight testing early next year. First delivery is scheduled during the first quarter of 2006.

The twin-engine 777-200LR will be powered by a high-thrust derivative of the General Electric GE90 engine that is on existing 777s.

Offering airlines additional flexibility in serving the non-stop routes that passengers demand, the Longer-Range 777s (777-300ER and 777-200LR) have accumulated 76 orders from seven customers worldwide. So far, two customers have ordered five 777-200LRs.