Boeing Delivers First 777 to Philippine Airlines
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The new airplane is the first 777 to join PAL's fleet and is one of two leased 777-300ERs the airline will deploy on its international routes. In addition the airline has four more 777-300ERs on order directly from Boeing from 2007.
Boeing, PAL and three non-profits leveraged this delivery to bring relief to residents who were recently devastated by the massive floods from Typhoon Ketsana. With the help of AmeriCares, Humanitarian International Services Group (HISG) and Kids Against Hunger, Boeing and PAL loaded nearly 18,000 pounds of medical supplies and packaged meals into the cargo hold of the 777-300ER.
"It is our great hope that this collaborative effort will bring some comfort to the flood victims during this very challenging time," said Fred Kiga, vice president, State and Local Government Relations and Global Corporate Citizenship for the Northwest Region.
Jaime J. Bautista, PAL president, who led a small PAL delegation that joined the delivery flight to Manila, said he was glad to be able to personally deliver the relief donations to the Philippines. "The airlift of relief goods is inherent to our mandate as the Philippines flag carrier. Earlier, we conducted a similar airlift of relief from local donors. I am sure these donations will go a long way in alleviating the plight of the victims and help in rebuilding their lives," Bautista said.
The addition of the 777-300ER to the PAL fleet brings new twin-engine efficiency to the airline's long-haul fleet. The airplanes are powered by General Electric GE90-115BLs, the world's largest and most powerful commercial jet engine. The 777-300ER is well known for its cargo capacity -- up to 7,120 cubic feet (201.6 cubic meters).
"The Boeing 777-300ER is a great choice for PAL, giving Asia's first commercial airline the most efficient airplane in the 300-to-400 seat segment," said Rob Laird, vice president of Sales for East and Southeast Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "It provides the airline the flexibility to serve key markets worldwide while offering its passengers the highest levels of comfort and reliability."
Philippine Airlines, the national flag carrier, conducted its first flight March 15, 1941, and has been operating longer than any other airline in Asia. PAL is a long-time Boeing customer and currently operates five Boeing 747-400s.
The Boeing 777-300ER is 19 percent lighter than its closest competitor, greatly reducing its fuel requirement. It produces 22 percent less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20 percent less to operate per seat. The airplane can seat up to 365 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a maximum range of 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km). The 777 family is the world's most successful twin-engine, twin-aisle airplane. Fifty-seven customers around the world have ordered more than 1,100 777s.
Source: BOEING
