UKRAINE: Sunday marks 20 years since United Airlines became the world’s first airline to introduce the Boeing 777 into commercial service. Since United’s maiden flight, more than 1,200 777s have been delivered to customers worldwide, and roughly fifty airlines have operated some version or another of the 777 since it was debuted in ’95, many of which still fly the type today. Among the largest operators include ANA, American, Emirates, and United.
United was the launch customer for the Boeing 777, placing an order in October of 1990 for 34 aircraft and 34 options. United now operates 74 777-200s and is the -200s largest operator. United just became the 2nd US based carrier to order the Boeing 777-300ER with 10 on order for delivery beginning in 2016. British Airways became the second operator of the type, when the 777 entered service with the UK flag carrier later in 1995. BA was the first to operate the longer-ranged B Model.
The airplane celebrated its 1000th delivery on March 3rd, 2012 when a 777-300ER was turned over to Dubai-based Emirates airlines, and just last year, Boeing delivered its 500th 777-300ER.
It’s safe to say that the 777 has carried more than a billion people from point A to point B, and 24/7/365, the aircraft plays a significant role in helping connect the world by getting people to their destinations whether it be for a family vacation or a wedding or a business meeting.
To mark the occasion this week, Boeing invited current and former people involved with the aircraft to a celebration in Everett, even going so far as to create a “pop up museum” detailing the Triple Seven’s history.
