Air France plans to buy new 777s

SEATTLE – Air France said Friday it plans to replace part of its aging fleet of cargo planes with Boeing Co.’s new 777 freighter, but the airline would not say whether it will become the launch customer for the proposed new airplane.

Boeing spokesman Marc Birtel confirmed that Air France is among the airlines interested in the new plane, but he also would not speculate on when the French airline might bring the airplane into its fleet.

Air France spokesman Jean-Claude Couturier said the 777 freighter is the favored option to replace its eight Boeing 747-200s. But Air France would not comment on a report in financial daily La Tribune that the carrier is about to become Boeing’s launch customer by ordering seven of the 777 freighters.

Chicago-based Boeing said in November it would begin offering a 777 freighter to customers, aiming to put the airplane into service by the end of 2008. But the company, which makes commercial airplanes in the Seattle area, has yet to snag a launch customer that would make the new freighter program a reality.

The 777 freighter would be based on the passenger version of the long-range 777-200LR, which is scheduled to enter service in early 2006. The freighter would be able to carry 222,000 pounds of cargo up to 6,400 miles.

Rival Airbus SAS has said its new superjumbo A380 freighter will be able to carry 341,000 pounds of cargo the same distance. It’s also scheduled to enter service in 2008.

Boeing’s biggest freighter offering is the 747-400ER, which could carry 248,000 pounds of cargo 5,700 miles.

An Airbus spokeswoman did not immediately return calls seeking comment.