Boeing to offer 777 cargo jet

The Boeing Co. will offer an all cargo-version of the 777 and is talking with operators who could become launch customers.

The new freighter will be based on the 777-200LR, the newest version of the company’s popular long-range jet, the company said Monday. It could be available to customers during the fourth quarter of 2008.

Boeing workers in Everett are now working on the first 777-200LR. The passenger version will be the farthest-flying airliner ever, with a range of more than 10,000 miles.

That long range is what is triggering “strong demand from the world’s cargo operators,” said Lars Andersen, Boeing’s long-range 777 program manager, during a telephone conference with reporters Monday.

Packed with 111 tons of cargo, the 777 freighter will still have a range of more than 5,900 miles, Andersen said. That means it can carry more cargo over a longer distance than any other twin-engine freighter.

It will compare to Boeing’s four-engine 747-400ERF freighter, which caries up to 135 tons as far as 5,700 miles.

The two freighters will carry cargo in the same-sized pallets, Andersen said. The 777 freighter will have a side-mounted cargo door.

Boeing said it hopes the 777 will complement – rather than compete against – 747 cargo planes. Boeing has seen little interest in the passenger version of the jumbo 747 in the last two years or so, with most orders coming in for freighter version.

An Airbus spokeswoman said the freighter version of Airbus’ new A380 superjumbo will carry up to 170 tons with the same range.

Boeing executives said Monday that the company sees a growing strength in the world economy and demand for cargo transport. Tom Crabtree, Boeing’s regional cargo marketing director, said he expects that demand to be particularly strong in Asia.

However, Andersen said that the cargo industry “has been enjoying some great growth around the world,” and said talks are underway with potential customers in Europe and North America.