A Boeing 777LR (Longer Range) airliner yesterday broke the world record for the longest distance travelled non-stop by a commercial aircraft when it landed at London's Heathrow after a marathon 11,664 nautical mile, 22 hour, 42 minute flight from Hong Kong.

The 777 left Hong Kong at 10.30pm local on 9 November, travelling east across the Pacific and crossing the continental US. It touched down at Heathrow at 1.30pm local yesterday. 777 program manager, Lars Andersen, enthused: "This record-setting distance flight exemplifies the pioneering aviation spirit that has made Boeing a leader in the aerospace industry. The 777 has been a leader in its market ever since it first went into service. The 777-200LR Worldliner continues that market leadership by offering unmatched capability that allows airlines to offer passengers non-stop routes to their destinations."

The first 777-LR is slated for delivery to Pakistan Airlines in 2006, with total orders to 43 airlines standing at around 700. According to the Boeing figures, the 777-200LR variant can carry 301 passengers up to 9,420 nautical miles. There's more on the 777 family at the Boeing website. ®

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