Boeing and Cathay Pacific Donates World’s 1st 777 to Aviation Museum

Photo: Cathay Pacific

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Boeing and Cathay Pacific announced that they are donating the first-ever Boeing 777 airplane to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Arizona, one of the world’s largest facilities devoted to celebrating aerospace.

The iconic airplane flew from Cathay Pacific’s home airport in Hong Kong to Tucson, Arizona on September 18.

The jet will be displayed permanently at the museum alongside more than 350 other notable aircraft.

Boeing first flew the 777-200 aircraft on June 12, 1994 and continued to use it as a test airplane for several years. The aircraft joined the Cathay Pacific fleet in 2000, ferrying passengers across the airline’s global network until it was retired earlier this year.

Since its first flight, the 777 program has become the world’s most successful twin-engine, twin aisle airplane. Its unique combination of long range, outstanding fuel efficiency and popular cabin has attracted carriers to place more than 1,660 orders.

“Cathay Pacific has been instrumental in the tremendous success of the 777 program. The airline contributed greatly to the airplane’s original design and has been one of its biggest ambassadors ever since,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister.

Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Officer Rupert Hogg said: “As the world’s very first 777, B-HNL holds a very special place in the history of both our airline and that of commercial aviation, and we are very pleased it will soon bring enjoyment to enthusiasts at its new home in Arizona.

Source: Boeing Press Release