PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) Finalize 5 Boeing 777-300ERs (You may turn off the music with the controler provided in below)
Created by catch4all.com, Sandra Englund
Music by: Enya: Dreams are more precious: Photo credit by Boeing
EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Pakistan International Airlines today announced a firm order for five 777-300ER (extended range) airplanes. Valued at nearly $1.5 billion at list prices, the order also includes purchase rights to Pakistan International Airlines for five additional 777-300ERs.
Based in Karachi, Pakistan International Airlines has been renewing its long-haul fleet to accommodate increased demand for air travel as well as to introduce new routes.
"With passenger traffic in our region accelerating, the new 777-300ER airplanes will continue to deliver the highest standards of technology and passenger comfort to our customers," said Capt. Nadeem Yousufzai, Managing Director of Pakistan International Airlines. "The spacious 777-300ER has been an integral part of our long-range fleet renewal program and its excellent operating economics, long range capability and reliability will allow us to expand into new long-haul markets."
In 2002, Pakistan's flag carrier became the world's first airline to purchase all three passenger models of the 777 Family and in that year was also the launch customer for the 777-200LR (longer range) airplane.
"We are proud that Pakistan International Airlines is a special Boeing customer that continues to invest and trust in the industry-leading capabilities of the 777 family of airplanes," said Marty Bentrott, vice president of Sales for the Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Boeing values the excellent partnership that was established over 10 years ago and one which we hope to continue well into the future as the airline progresses with its expansion plans."
2011 was the best-selling year for the 777 program with a net order book of 200 surpassing the previous record of 154 orders set in 2005. The 777-300ER brings new twin-engine efficiency to the airline's long-haul fleet. The airplane is powered by General Electric GE90-115BLs, the world's largest and most powerful commercial jet engines. The airplane also features the Boeing Signature Interior that offers wider seats, wider aisles, more headroom and more seating flexibility.
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) commercial aired by Pakistan Television (PTV Home) on July 30, 2011.
PIA 777-300ER:
During 2004, PIA took delivery of its first Boeing 777-200ER aircraft in January. On delivery of the first three Boeing 777-200ERs the airline introduced a new aircraft livery, which was later applied to the majority of the fleet.
PIA leased an additional new Boeing 777-200ER from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). The aircraft had the same specifications as the previous Boeing 777-200ER that PIA operated. The aircraft was delivered in January 2007 on ten year lease to the airline.
On 25 February 2006 Boeing delivered its first 777-200LR Worldliner to PIA, where it flew from Everett to Islamabad via Manchester, England. PIA started non-stop flights from Toronto to Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore from 3 March 2006 taking advantage of Boeing 777-200LR's long range capability. PIA planned non-stop flights to New York City and other US cities with sizable Pakistani population centres, but was not given permission due to security reasons.
On 23 December 2006, PIA took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER.
The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul
airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family's span of capabilities, bringing
twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. The airplane
carries 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km). The 777-300ERs
will be equipped with GE90-115B engines.
The 777-300ER ("ER" for Extended Range) is the B-market version of the −300. It features raked and extended wingtips, a new main landing gear, reinforced nose gear, and extra fuel tanks. The −300ER also has a strengthened fuselage, wings, empennage, and engine attachments. The standard GE90-115B turbofan is the world's most powerful jet engine in service, with a maximum thrust of 115,300 lbf (513 kN). The maximum range is 7,930 nautical miles (14,690 km),made possible due to a higher MTOW along with the increased fuel capacity. The −300ER can fly approximately 34 percent further than the −300 with a full load of passengers and cargo. Following flight testing, the implementation of engine, wing, and weight modifications produced an added 1.4 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
The first −300ER was delivered to Air France on April 29, 2004. The −300ER ranks as the best-selling 777 variant, having surpassed the −200ER in September 2010, and since its launch the model has been a primary driver of the twinjet's sales past the rival A340. Using only two engines produces a typical operating cost advantage of around 8–9 percent for the −300ER over the A340-600, along with a 20 percent fuel burn advantage over the 747-400. Several airlines have acquired the −300ER as a 747–400 replacement amid rising fuel prices. As of March 2011, −300ER deliveries to 24 different customers totaled 272, with 220 unfilled orders. Operators had 237 aircraft in service as of July 2010. The −300ER's direct Airbus competitor is the A340-600HGW.
According to the Pakistan Observer news report, dated February 20th, 2012 Islamabad reported that
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will purchase five Boeing 777 aircraft from Boeing Company of the United States. A definitive agreement to this effect was signed here on Tuesday. Managing Director PIA Nadeem Khan Yousufzai and Director International Sales of Boeing Company J Miguel Santos signed the agreement. Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar and Acting Ambassador of the United States to Pakistan Richard Hoagland witnessed the signing ceremony. Under the agreement, the Boeing Company will deliver five Boeing 777 aircraft by November 2015.
The first aircraft will be delivered in March 2015. Speaking in the occasion, Minister for Defence Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar said all out efforts are being made to improve the performance of PIA. He said the old PIA planes are spending 18 percent more fuel which is very costly. He expressed hope that PIA would come out of the crisis.
Special Feature:
Boeing 777-300ER (British Airway Boeing 777/300ER quick
assembly)
Sources:Boeing, Youtube, wikipedia, yahoo news,Pakistan International Air,News The Express Tribune (International Herald Tribune) and Pakistan Observer. catch4all.com,
Sandra Englund, , February 20th, 2012
