One of the safest jets in the world
Print Edition
THE Boeing 777 flown by Malaysia Airlines that disappeared yesterday morning over the South China Sea is one of the world’s most popular — and safest — jets.
The long-range jumbo jet has helped connect cities at the far ends of the globe, with flights as long as 16 hours. But more impressive is its safety record: The first fatal crash in its 19-year history only came last July when an Asiana Airlines jet landed short of the runway in San Francisco. Three of the 307 people aboard died.
Airlines like the plane because it can fly extremely long distances, thanks to two giant Rolls-Royce Trent engines. By having just two engines, the plane burns through less fuel than four-engine jets.
“It has provided a new standard in both efficiency and safety,” said Richard Aboulafia, an aviation consultant with the Teal Group. “The 777 has enjoyed one of the safest records of any jetliner built.”
Besides last year’s Asiana crash, the only other serious incident with the 777 came in January 2008 when a British Airways jet landed 305 meters short of the runway at London’s Heathrow Airport.
Malaysia Airlines did have an incident in August 2005 with a 777 flying from Perth, Australia, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s largest city.
While flying 11,580 meters above the Indian Ocean, the plane’s software incorrectly measured speed and acceleration, causing the plane to suddenly shoot up 915 meters. The pilot disengaged the autopilot and descended and landed safely back in Perth. A software update was quickly made on planes worldwide.
Malaysia Airlines has 15 Boeing 777-200ER jets in its fleet of 88 planes. The first was delivered in 1997, the most recent in 2004, according to Boeing. Malaysia Airlines has its 777s configured to seat 282 passengers.
Boeing has delivered 1,030 of the planes since 1995. There are orders for 370.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
