Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] today delivered the first Malaysia Airlines System (MAS) 777-200ER (Extended Range) airplane incorporating the Class 3 Boeing Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), making the airline the first in the Asia/Pacific region to use the EFB.

Malaysia Airlines is equipping two 777-200ERs with the EFB, which gives pilots a range of information that helps them fly more safely, securely and efficiently.

"These new 777s are a perfect fit for our long-distance routes," said Dato' Ahmad Fuaad Mohd Dahlan, managing director for Malaysia Airlines. "And with the EFB, we're looking forward to even higher levels of efficiency, reliability and excellence."

The EFB has many applications from Boeing subsidiary Jeppesen: electronic terminal charts; a Performance Tool that helps crews take off and land at maximum efficiency; electronic documents such as fault-reporting, maintenance and minimum equipment lists; a viewer for cabin-surveillance cameras; and the award-winning Taxi Position Awareness tool, which shows pilots exactly where they are at the airport.

Malaysia Airlines' new 777s will also be the first commercial airplanes delivered with provisions for Terminal Wireless LAN systems. Those systems one day will interface on the ground with airport systems at high speeds and high bandwidth. The EFB and Terminal Wireless LAN systems are important steps toward an e-enabled air transport system.

Along with the EFB, the airline is incorporating a new décor in the award-winning Boeing Signature Interior, which is known for its ambient lighting and accessible luggage bins. Malaysia Airlines' passengers will enjoy the best in space and comfort.

"Boeing and Malaysia Airlines have been setting new standards with the 777s since MAS' first 777-200 -- dubbed the Super Ranger -- broke two world records in 1997 for speed and distance as it flew nonstop from Seattle to Kuala Lumpur then back to Seattle commemorating the 50th anniversary of Malaysia Airlines," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes Senior Vice President, Sales and President of Boeing Aircraft Trading, Dinesh Keskar. "With enhanced efficiency as a result from the introduction of EFB and more comfort for passengers with its new seats, MAS is bound to yet again reiterate its leadership in the region."

MAS' new 777-200ER carries up to 289 passengers in two-classes: 42 in business and 247 in economy. It can fly 7,730 nautical miles (14,316 kilometers) on routes such as Zurich-Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur-Sydney.

The new airplane delivered is the 14th of 15 Boeing 777-200ERs the Kuala Lumpur-based carrier will receive. MAS currently operates 100 airplanes -- the majority being Boeing 737s, 747s, and 777s -- to more than 100 destinations.

Worldwide, 37 customers and operators have ordered 642 Boeing 777s, with 495 delivered and in service.