Boeing 777’s first flight – 15 years later

We’re all anxiously awaiting the first flight of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

But 15 years ago today, another Boeing first flight took place.

Boeing’s 777 took off from Paine Field here in Everett at about 11:43 a.m.

Capt. John Cashman, and his first officer, Capt. Ken Higgins flew the 777-200 for three hours and 45 minutes.

In a Herald story, Cashman described the flight like this:

“It’s great, it’s really great. …Every test pilot on the first flight has said that…but I’ve flown production planes that weren’t as smooth as this one.”

Boeing delivered the first 777 to United Airlines on May 15, 1995.

Fifteen years later, Boeing (and the world) is anxious for the first flight of its latest all-new aircraft, the 787 Dreamliner, which is supposed to fly by the end of the month.

Where you there the day the 777 flew? If so, we’d like to hear from you.