In response to a growing global demand for efficient, long-range, high-capacity freighters, Boeing launched the 777 Freighter in May 2005 in collaboration with Air France. This model has transformed the long-range airfreight market by introducing twin-engine efficiency to large widebody freighters, delivering capacities previously associated with larger, less fuel-efficient aircraft.
The 777 family now has over 1,300 aeroplanes in service, flying reliably and efficiently to every region of the world, while the freighter variant has had over 345 orders.
Powered by General Electric’s GE90 engines, the 777 Freighter shares the family’s advanced features: a state-of-the-art flight deck, fly-by-wire design and an advanced wing design, including raked wingtips.
“Freighters are in the DNA of Boeing. We have over 100 years of experience designing and building freighters, since the very first aeroplane our company produced,” John Perdoch, Director of Product Marketing and Freighter Model Leader at Boeing, stated.
“When we design a new aeroplane, we design a family with a freighter in mind. The fuselage of the 777 family was sized to ensure efficient and capable carriage of industry-standard pallets and containers.
“We’ve continued to invest in the capability and efficiency of the 777 Freighter. In 2016, engine, weight and aerodynamic improvements were phased into production to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Today, the airplane offers 20 percent lower fuel use and emissions than prior airplane models.”
Factors driving growth
The 777 Freighter has brought efficiency and reliability to long-haul markets. It maintained the capacity of previous generations of large widebody freighters while significantly reducing fuel use and operating costs.
Thoughtful design, such as a large main deck cargo door that allows easy transfer of cargo between 777 and 747 freighters, provides further value to operators. Boeing’s storied experience with freighters was critical in building a capable product that was reliable and dependable for operators.
The payload, range and tonne-kilometre economics of the 777 Freighter allow for more long-range, nonstop freighter flights than ever, connecting markets such as Asia with the United States and Europe, and linking critical high-value cargo markets without the need for a refuelling stop.
With a maximum takeoff weight of 766,800 pounds (347,800 kg), the 777 Freighter has a structural payload capability of 107 tonnes. The 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km) with a full payload, making it the world’s longest-range freighter. The airplane’s range capability translates into significant savings for cargo operators: fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.
“This capability has made the 777 Freighter the most effective airplane to connect the largest markets in the world, such as Asia, the US, and Europe, and has equipped operators with a more profitable aircraft on routes worldwide,” Perdoch outlined.
“The 777 Freighter is the world’s best-selling freighter of all time. Boeing has delivered 275 777 Freighters to 36 customers, who have operated the airplane a combined 4 billion miles and 9 million flight hours. In 2023, 35 percent of all freighter capacity was flown on the 777F, the most of any freighter.
“The flexibility and capability of the 777 Freighter allows operators to carry a vast assortment of unique goods. The 777 Freighter transported hundreds of millions of Covid-19 vaccines and was critical for PPE distribution during the pandemic. It helped fly hundreds of horses to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and it’s even brought pandas home to China.”
The next chapter
The 777-8 Freighter incorporates the new 777X family and the 777 Freighter to offer more: more payload, fuel efficiency and profit potential. The 777-8 Freighter will provide a significant improvement in fuel efficiency, emissions and operating costs and 17 percent more payload than the 777 Freighter with the same cross-section and Code E designation for seamless operations.
The 777-8 Freighter will optimise the way cargo is transported on major trade lanes. The latest generation engine – the GE9X – and advanced wing of the 777X family will enable the 777-8 Freighter to efficiently fly more payload, further. Its onboard technology will streamline operations and enhance its capability.
“Today, the backbone of the large widebody freighter fleet is the 777 Freighter. It will be the industry standard for multiple decades as it continues to perform in service. The 777-8 Freighter will seamlessly integrate into the established fleet, providing additional payload, capability and fuel efficiency for operators along every trade lane,” Perdoch explained.
“Our 2024 Commercial Market Outlook projects a 67 percent increase in the global freighter fleet by 2043, including approximately 810 large widebody freighters and conversions such as the 777 Freighter and new 777-8 Freighter. The 777 Freighter is the only large widebody freighter that is immediately supporting this global expansion, with more than 20 deliveries in the past year.”
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