Korean Air 777

Boeing has delivered the first long-range wide-body 777 Freighter constructed at a increased production rate of 8.3 a month, or 100 aeroplanes annually, to South Korea’s flag carrier Korean Air.

The production boost programme was announced by Boeing in October 2012.

Boeing has kept to its production target of 8.3 aircraft a month or 100 a year, in an effort to meet the increasing demand for fuel-efficient airliners and compete with the rival Airbus.

The programme began after the first aeroplane parts entered the factory in Everett.

The 777 Freighter was built using new production techniques such as flex-track drilling in the body and wing panels, automated floor drilling and wing painting, according to Boeing.

Over the past 32 months, Boeing has increased the production rate of its 777 programme twice. In 2011, the company increased the monthly rate from five to seven aeroplanes; and in 2013, the production rate went up to 8.3 jetliners a month.

"Over the past 32 months, Boeing has increased the production rate of its 777 programme twice."

Featuring a three-class cabin layout, the 777 can accommodate 301 to 386 passengers, has a range of 5,240nm to 9,395nm.

It is available in six variants the 777-200, 777-200ER, larger 777-300, longer-range 777-300ER and 777-200LR and the 777 freighter.

So far, Boeing has received some 1,431 firm orders for the twin-engine 777s from 66 customers worldwide and delivered 1,072 jet liners.

In December 2012, Boeing separated the production and design units at its commercial aeroplane division as part of its efforts to boost production by more than 25% over the next 18 months.

Korean Air operates scheduled flights to 13 domestic and 113 international destinations in 39 countries worldwide and also offers charter flights for cargo transportation.

Image: Korean Air’s Boeing 777 Freighter was built at an increased production rate, using new production techniques such as flex-track and automated floor drilling. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology