Thursday, May 15, 2008

Air France takes delivery of its 50th Boeing 777 aircraft

Air France Boeing 777-300EREarlier this month, Air France reached a milestone in its acquisition of Boeing 777-type aircraft. Boeing recently delivered a new B777-300ER aircraft to Air France -- the carrier's 50th B-777.

The newest aircraft is Air France's 25th B777-300ER, the world's largest long-range twin-engine jetliner. Air France also has another 25 B777-200ER aircraft in its fleet.

"This is truly a great day for Air France and Boeing," said Pierre Vellay, senior vice president of New Aircraft and Corporate Fleet Planning for Air France. "The 777 is the mainstay of our long-haul fleet and elemental to our success and future growth plans. We look forward to further integration of this exceptional airplane later this year, when Air France takes delivery of the world's first 777 Freighter."

Mr. Vellay was referring to the fact that Air France also will be the launch customer for Boeing's new B-777 Freighter, the first of which is scheduled to begin flight tests later this month. Boeing says that "with the delivery of its first 777 Freighter this year and through the operation of a single 777 platform, Air France will achieve significant synergies between its cargo and passenger business."

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