Boeing 777-200LR Sets Nonstop World Record After 20 Years

On November 10, 2005, the Boeing 777-200LR achieved a remarkable milestone by landing at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) after completing a nonstop flight of over 11,664 nautical miles (21,601 kilometers). The journey began at Hong Kong Airport (HKG) on November 9 and lasted for an impressive 22 hours and 42 minutes. This historic flight was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for its extraordinary distance.

Captain Suzanna Darcy-Henneman, the lead test pilot for the 777, had the honor of commanding aircraft N6066Z on this significant journey. Notably, she was also the first female production test pilot in Boeing’s history. The Boeing 777-200LR, branded as the “Worldliner,” was powered by two General Electric GE90-115B engines, which were the most powerful commercial turbofan engines at the time.

Route and Performance

The Worldliner’s route took it eastward from Hong Kong over the Pacific Ocean, crossing the International Date Line before reaching North America. The flight continued over the mid-North Atlantic Ocean until arriving in London. In a press release following the record-setting flight, Lars Andersen, vice president and program manager of the 777 Program at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, stated, “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 nonstop routes to their destinations.”

The flight averaged speeds of 981 kilometers per hour (609 miles per hour) from Los Angeles to New York and 910 kilometers per hour (565 miles per hour) from New York to London. This performance not only surpassed the previous distance record set by a Boeing 747-400 in 1989 but also outperformed the earlier 777-200ER model.

Specifications and Legacy

The first production models of the 777-200LR were delivered in 2006, featuring a seating capacity of 301 in a two-class configuration and a normal service range of 9,420 nautical miles (17,445 kilometers). A total of 61 units were produced due to the aircraft’s specialized long-haul capabilities, which limited its market appeal. The design prioritized fuel capacity for extended ranges, reducing payload capacity, which impacted its economic viability on shorter routes.

The 777-200LR’s specifications include:
– Length: 63.7 meters (209 feet 1 inch)
– Wingspan: 64.8 meters (212 feet 7 inches)
– Height: 18.6 meters (61 feet 1 inch)
– Engine: GE90-115B

Despite the cessation of passenger production, the 777-200LR has found success in the freight market. Its airframe serves as the foundation for the Boeing 777 Freighter, leveraging the aircraft’s design while utilizing increased capacity and efficiency.

The Boeing 777 family has played a pivotal role in aviation history, facilitating the transition from four-engine aircraft to more efficient twin-engine designs. The original 777-200 was the first aircraft to achieve ETOPS-180 certification, setting a standard for long-haul operations. The legacy of the 777-200LR continues to influence modern aircraft design, including the development of the 777X and 787 Dreamliner.

As the 20th anniversary of this record approaches, the Boeing 777-200LR remains a rare sight in the skies, serving select international routes operated by airlines such as Air India, Qatar Airways, and Air Canada. These airlines utilize the aircraft’s impressive range for long-distance routes that surpass the 7,000 nautical mile threshold.

In April 2025, the total number of flights operated by the 777-200LR reached 440, with a combined seat capacity of 124,556 across all routes, according to data from Cirium. The longest scheduled route, operated by Air India, connects Bengaluru to San Francisco, covering 8,691 nautical miles, highlighting the aircraft’s continued relevance in global aviation.

The Boeing 777-200LR’s remarkable achievements and engineering innovations serve as a testament to its enduring impact on the airline industry, paving the way for future advancements in long-haul air travel.