Boeing 777
A twin-engine wide-body that came to symbolise four engines ceasing to be mandatory on transoceanic flights.
Overview
The 777 played a part in making twin-engine wide-bodies common on long-range routes. Transoceanic flights had mostly used three or four engines before; the rule is not engine count but the time needed to reach the nearest suitable field on one engine.
Extending that time depends on proving engine reliability statistically. Maintenance regime and data collection are as much part of the approval process as the aircraft's design — engineering here proceeds together with paperwork.
Two engines lower maintenance and fuel costs relative to four. Airlines' move to twins on long range was an economic necessity as much as a technical preference.
Details
- Brand
- Boeing
- Category
- Wide-body Airliner
- Body
- Wide-body
- Propulsion
- turbofan
- Produced
- 1995–