BOEING is finally to press ahead with a freighter version of the 777 freighter series following breakthrough orders from Air France (five) and Air Canada (two). The 777 freighter will be based on the 200LR, the passenger version of the aircraft that is now in flight tests and will enter service next year as the world's longest-range jetliner. Capacity is 101 metric tons for a 5,200 nautical miles mile range with entry into service set for the fourth quarter of 2008. Boeing maintains that the 777 freighter will not eat into sales of the bigger 747-400 freighter, which can carry 113 metric tonnes 4,445 nautical miles, with an advanced model under consideration capable of carrying about 134 tonnes of cargo. Airbus has orders from Emirates (2), Federal Express (10) and ILFC (5) for the freighter version of the A380, which is in the 150-tonne class.
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