Airline Code [AFR]
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Tags :Continental Europe, Air France, fleet, Boeing
Boeing celebrated (19-Feb-09) the delivery of the company's first 777 Freighter to launch customer Air France in a ceremony at the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing Tour near Paine Field.
Air France Executive Vice President for New Aircraft & Corporate Fleet Planning Pierre Vellay said, "Our new Boeing 777 Freighter will operate very well with our 747-400ER Freighters. Also, we will benefit from the airplane's commonality with our proven 777 passenger fleet and improve our cargo efficiency to help us through the current economic difficulties."
Providing cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes, the 777 Freighter can fly 4,880 nautical miles (9,038 kilometers) with a full payload of 226,700 pounds (103 metric tons). The new airplane is expected to progressively replace the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) in the Air France Cargo fleet. Air France currently operates five 747-400ER Freighters and four 747-400BCFs.
Aldo Basile, vice president, Sales, Europe, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said, "The 777 Freighter uses less fuel per cargo tonne than any freighter operating. With the 777F, Air France also will experience the lowest maintenance costs and the lowest trip costs of any large freighter, as well as outstanding environmental performance."
Larry Loftis, vice president and general manager of the Boeing 777 Program said, "The 777 Freighter provides a new level of cargo economics, with low tonne-kilometer costs to help cargo airlines in the current environment. The 777 Freighter is a great example of Boeing's commitment to continuously improve the 777 family to deliver top value to owners and operators."
(C) Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation. Date posted: 23-Feb-09
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Air France takes delivery of first Boeing 777 freighter 
