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Boeing Receives FAA Approval for Extended Operations on 777 Fleet

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Boeing has announced that it has received type-design approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for up to 330-minute extended operations (ETOPS) on its 777 fleet. This approval allows certain 777 models to fly longer distances without needing to be in range of an alternate airport, reducing travel time and environmental impact. The first airline to take advantage of this new option is Air New Zealand, which has already completed a test flight from Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand.

Key Takeaways:

  • Boeing's 777 fleet has flown over 7 million ETOPS flights since 1985, with more than 120 operators flying over 50,000 ETOPS flights each month.
  • The new FAA approval allows 777 customers to fly up to 330 minutes from an alternate airport, enabling more direct flights and reducing travel time.
  • The new option is expected to benefit airlines operating in the south Pacific, over the North Pole, and from Australia to South America and southern Africa.
  • The Boeing philosophy of point-to-point service aims to minimize overall travel time, and this approval is a key step in that direction.
  • Air New Zealand was the first airline to purchase the new extended ETOPS option, which it plans to use for flights between the US and New Zealand.
  • Captain David Morgan, chief pilot for Air New Zealand, stated that the new option will reduce fuel burned and carbon dioxide emissions, while also providing shorter flight times for passengers.
  • The 777 fleet has flown over 2 million ETOPS flights since its introduction in June 1995, with 53 operators flying over 22,000 ETOPS flights per month.
  • Ninety-three percent of 777 operators, 50 percent of 767 operators, and 33 percent of 757 operators currently fly ETOPS routes, which are two-engine flights that are typically more than 60 minutes from an alternate airport.
  • General Electric engine-equipped 777-300ER, 777-200LR, 777 Freighter, and 777-200ER models have received approval for extended operations, with Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney engine-equipped 777-200ER models expecting approval in the coming months.

Statistics:

  • 7 million: The number of ETOPS flights flown by Boeing's 777 fleet since 1985.
  • 120: The number of Boeing operators flying over 50,000 ETOPS flights each month.
  • 50,000: The number of ETOPS flights flown by Boeing operators each month.
  • 330 minutes: The maximum distance 777 customers can fly from an alternate airport under the new FAA approval.
  • 2 million: The number of ETOPS flights flown by the 777 fleet since its introduction in June 1995.
  • 53: The number of 777 operators flying over 22,000 ETOPS flights per month.
  • 22,000: The number of ETOPS flights flown by 777 operators each month.
  • 93%: The percentage of 777 operators currently flying ETOPS routes.
  • 50%: The percentage of 767 operators currently flying ETOPS routes.
  • 33%: The percentage of 757 operators currently flying ETOPS routes.

Sources:

  • Boeing Press Release, "Boeing Receives FAA Approval for Extended Operations on 777 Fleet" (December 12, 2011)
  • Interview with Larry Loftis, Vice President and General Manager 777 Program, Boeing (December 12, 2011)
  • Interview with Capt. David Morgan, Chief Pilot, Air New Zealand (December 12, 2011)

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