“And every fault, every flaw we notice during those first two test flights, can instantly be repaired or replaced on site.” While fleet commander Claus Richter adds “I don’t even want to know about all the things they switch off, now,” the eyes of Lufthansa Test Pilot Manfred Schridde light up in anticipation. „Actually, we switch off every single thing we can – but not at the same time, of course,” says Boeing’s Gary Meiser with obvious enthusiasm. Testing, testing… – We literally turn off every engine… That’s a personal best!”, agree both pilots, “but it could have been even faster.” – to spare the engines, takeoff was achieved at only 80% power. What happens, when a cargo plane with no cargo – and thus quite the lightweight – sets off to its first long distance flight home? Records will tumble! With over 140 tons below the maximum takeoff weight of 348t, the brand new 777 finishes the ascent to cruising altitude in just 13 minutes, barely a third of the usual time. Rocket launch – from 0 to 39,000 (feet) in 13 minutes presents a rare glimpse into the final moments of a 320 million dollar (list price) transaction. It is only after the magic words “Gentlemen, the money has arrived” are uttered, that the room breathes a sigh of relief, the tension releasing itself into a spontaneous applause, as the symbolic starting key is presented to its new owners. After extensive testing and minor repairs, this is the time to record the plane’s final condition and set the terms for potential reimbursements or deductions. The tension among the 12 negotiators is palpable.
While the majority of the purchase price is transferred immediately upon ordering, the final installment – another substantial eight-figure amount – is only paid after the last set of signatures by Boeing and Lufthansa. A Signature worth 320M $ – That’s how you buy an airplane
With additional information and commentary by both flight captains in regular flashbacks, this newest episode offers the rare opportunity to experience at first hand the most important waypoints on the flight path to a brand new plane: the D-ALFE, the fifth family member of Lufthansa’s growing Cargo Fleet. The Boeing 777-“Freighter” combines the advantages of a short fuselage with the large wings of its passenger version, enabling a record breaking payload of over 100 tons for the first time on a twin jet aircraft.įor three months bore witness to the birth of this newest “giant of the skies”: from its production to its sale to its ferry flight out of Seattle for the plane’s new home airport in Frankfurt, Germany. It’s the most efficient and economical cargo plane of our time. Description de vol In this episode: captures the production, pick up and delivery flight of a brand new Boeing 777F from Seattle to Frankfurt, Germany.
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