Boeing starts line for new 777
Published 9:55 pm Monday, January 28, 2008
EVERETT — With a newly announced lease for eight jets, carrier AeroLogic will form the backbone of its fleet around the Boeing Co.’s latest cargo jet, the 777 Freighter, which enters production today.
Workers at Boeing’s Everett factory this afternoon will begin assembling the first 777 Freighter, scheduled to be delivered late this year. The aerospace company’s latest cargo jet caught the attention of AeroLogic, a joint venture airline formed in 2007 between Germany’s Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express. AeroLogic announced Monday that it will lease eight 777 Freighters for its European-Asian fleet from Deucalion Capital VII Limited, managed by DVB Bank AG.
“The 777 Freighter’s twin-engine fuel efficiency, low noise and overall capability are perfectly suited for our new cargo service out of Leipzig (Germany),” said Thomas Papke, AeroLogic managing director. “I can’t imagine another freighter that would work as well as the 777 Freighter in meeting our demanding environmental and performance targets.”
Valued at $2 billion at list prices, the eight 777 Freighters were ordered by Avion Group of Iceland in 2005. Avion Group terminated its order and the airplanes were picked up by Deucalion in late 2007.
By 2012, the AeroLogic fleet will include 11 leased Boeing 777-200 Freighters, the first four of which are scheduled for delivery at the beginning of 2009. Operations are being planned around both partners’ requirements. On weekdays, freighters will fly to Asian destinations in the express network operated by DHL Express. On weekends, the jets will supplement Lufthansa Cargo’s services.
The 777 Freighter will be capable of flying 4,885 nautical miles with a full payload, making it the world’s longest-range twin engine freighter, Boeing says. It is based on Boeing’s 777-200 Longer Range passenger plane.
Boeing has won 80 orders for its 777 Freighter since the cargo jet’s launch in 2005.
“As one of the newest members of the Boeing family of freighters, the 777 Freighter is a symbol of our commitment to offering customers the most capable and efficient freighters in the world,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of sales for Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “I look forward to our partnership with AeroLogic as the 777 Freighter becomes a cornerstone of its success.”
Reporter Michelle Dunlop: 425-339-3454 or mdunlop@heraldnet.com.
