Boeing has delivered its 900th 777 airplane, which went to Ethiopian Airlines.
The airplane is the ultra-long-range Boeing 777-200LR (long range) Worldliner. It is the first of five 777s the airline ordered in 2009.
“With the delivery of its first 777-200LR, Ethiopian is the first airline in Africa to operate the world’s most technologically advanced and longest-range airplane,” said Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ato Girma Wake. “This further reaffirms our commitment to be the leader of aviation in Africa.”
Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the carrier is investing in additional airplanes to broaden its network. The carrier will use the 777-200LRs on new, nonstop service from Washington, D.C., to Addis Ababa and new long-haul, nonstop routes like Beijing.
“The 777-200LR is the only airplane that provides the range and efficiency that Ethiopian needs to service its long-haul routes,” Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager of the 777 program, said in a news release. “And it’s our pleasure to deliver this airplane, our 900th, to a first-time 777 customer.”
The 777 program reached the 900-airplane milestone faster than any other twin-aisle airplane in history. The 777’s performance and passenger-preferred interior have made it the world’s most popular twin-engine long-haul commercial jetliner, with 1,165 orders from 61 customers.