Before you read the release, make sure you take a look at what Steve Trimble dug up on the 777F.
Boeing Begins Major Assembly of First New 777 Freighter
SEATTLE, Jan. 29, 2008 –Boeing [NYSE: BA] mechanics began major assembly of the new 777 Freighter at the company’s Everett, Wash., facility today. The 777 Freighter will fly farther and provide more capacity than any other twin-engine cargo airplane.
“We are excited to begin production of the 777 Freighter so we can put the airplane into service with our customers,” said Larry Loftis, vice president, 777 Program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777 Freighter’s unmatched range, efficiency and capacity as a twin-engine cargo airplane will significantly enhance our customers’ ability to deliver freight.”
Workers took the first step in major assembly for the new 777 Freighter by loading its 97-foot-long wing spar into a tool that automatically drills, measures and installs more than 5,000 fasteners into the spar. The spar is the internal support structure that runs through the full length of the wings and provides support to the wing.
The first 777 Freighter will be delivered to launch customer Air France in the fourth quarter of 2008.
“Our vision to develop the 777 Freighter as the world’s most capable twin-engine cargo airplane is now becoming a reality with the start of major assembly,” said Kim Pastega, deputy program manager and engineering leader, 777 Freighter Program. “Our customers and suppliers worked closely with us to reach this important milestone.”
Image Courtesy The Boeing Company
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This post originally appeared at Flightglobal.com from 2007 to 2012.