Boeing wins first multi-million dollar order from Japanese airline for 777 freighters

SAN FRANCISCO, March 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. aerospace leader Boeing Company said Friday that it has obtained a 678-million-U.S.-dollar order from Japan's largest airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) for two 777 freighters.

The 777 freighter is the world's largest and longest range twin-engine cargo jet, and the new order will make the Japanese carrier the first airline in Japan to operate 777 freighters.

The ANA said it plans to fly its new planes on international routes, particularly to Asian countries and North America.

It placed the order to complement its medium-sized 767 freighter fleet amid a strong growth in air cargo.

"Air cargo is an essential part of global trade growth," said Hiroshi Sugiguchi, vice president of Corporate Planning and Administration of ANA Cargo.

Boeing said the 777 freighter is capable of flying 4,900 nautical miles (9,047 kilometers) with a payload of 102 metric tons.

The airplane's long range translates into significant savings as fewer stops mean lower landing fees, less congestion, lower cargo handling costs and shorter delivery times, said the U.S. top aircraft manufacturer. Enditem