The Pima Air & Space Museum in Arizona is to become the recipient of the first-ever Boeing 777 thanks to a joint donation announced on September 18, by Cathay Pacific and Boeing. The 777-200 plane, line number WA001, was retired in May by Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific after 18 years of operation for the carrier, having first flown in June 1994. During its service with Cathay Pacific the jet, B-HNL, operated 20,519 flights and recorded 49,687 hours of flying time.
Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Rupert Hogg said: “As the world's very first 777, B-HNL holds a very special place in the history of both our airline and that of commercial aviation, and we are very pleased it will soon bring enjoyment to enthusiasts at its new home in Arizona,” adding that: “Our 777-200 aircraft have served us exceptionally well over the last two decades, and as we progressively retire these over the months ahead, we eagerly look forward to welcoming the state-of-the art 777-9 aircraft into our fleet from 2021.”
Cathay Pacific was responsible for input into the original design of the 777, affording it the opportunity to have a number of features included which specifically suited its needs, including a cabin cross-section similar to the 747 Jumbo Jet, a modern ‘glass' cockpit, fly-by-wire system, and, critically, lower operating costs. Currently, Cathay Pacific operates one of the largest 777 fleets in the world.
“Cathay Pacific has been instrumental in the tremendous success of the 777 programme. The airline contributed greatly to the airplane's original design and has been one of its biggest ambassadors ever since. And now they are a launch customer for our new 777X airplane. We are thrilled to partner with Cathay on this donation to the museum as a way to share the remarkable story of the Boeing 777 for years to come,” commented Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister.
