Long-Range 777 Draws Little Interest

Boeing has received no orders for an ultra-long-range model of its 777 jetliner and has slowed design work on the jet as it evaluates the program. Boeing had hoped to launch development of the 200-seat aircraft by the end of the year so the first plane could be delivered in late 2000. But without any orders after six months of marketing, Boeing is “assessing the cost-effectiveness” of the program, Boeing spokeswoman Kirsti Dunn said Thursday.

Boeing said it could still deliver the new twin-engine airplanes by 2000 if it receives enough orders to justify a launch by May.

The aircraft, a derivative of Boeing’s popular 777 series, would be capable of flying nonstop 10,000 miles, making 18-hour flights possible. The plane is being aimed at long routes, primarily in the Pacific, that don’t have the passenger loads to justify the larger-capacity Boeing 747-400.

American Airlines and Delta Air Lines are expected to order the new 777 eventually under their long-term plans to buy Boeing jets over the next 20 years. But so far, only Malaysian Airline Systems has said it wants the new jet.