Newstrack

Air India takes delivery of first 777-200LR Worldliner

EAW Staff - Mumbai

Air India has taken delivery of the airline's first 777-200LR (Longer Range) Worldliner airplane. This is the first 777 from Air India's order of 68 Boeing jetliners. The airline will receive an additional three 777-200LR Worldliner and three 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes this year.

Air India's order for 68 Boeing jetliners, placed in December 2005, was the largest commercial airplane order in India's civil aviation history in terms of price. The order consisted of 23 777s, including eight 777-200LR Worldliners and 15 777-300ERs, and 27 787-8 Dreamliners. Additionally, Air India Express, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India, ordered 18 Next-Generation 737-800s.

Air India will use the 777-200LR to offer direct, nonstop flights between the United States and India. It begins service to New York's John F Kennedy International Airport from Mumbai, India, on 1 August 2007.

"Air India is connecting India to the world and is doing so in a manner that combines real economic advantages for the airline and a positive experience for our passengers," said V Thulasidas, chairman and managing director of Air India. "Boeing's 777-200LR is the most technologically advanced passenger aircraft in its class and will enable Air India to fly passengers around the world with direct, nonstop routes."

Air India's 777-200LR will have a three-class configuration, including eight first-class, 35 executive class and 195 economy seats. All executive class seats will turn into flat beds and economy seats will be larger, at 18.5 inches in width. Passengers also will have access to an in-flight entertainment system provided by Thales on video screens that measure 23 inches in first class, 15.4 inches in executive class and 10.6 inches in economy. Additionally, the airplane will be able to carry up to 15 tons of cargo.