The future of the widebody freighter market was displayed in grand fashion today with the debut of the new twin-engine 777 freighter at Boeing's Everett, Wash. manufacturing facilities.

"We are excited to debut the newest member of our 777 freighter families," said Larry Loftis, vice president, 777 program, adding that the aircraft demonstrates Boeing's "leadership in the [wide body] cargo market." With a maximum takeoff weight of 766,0000 pounds, the 777 Freighter will have a revenue payload capability of 226,0000 pounds. The aircraft will be capable of flying 4,885 nautical miles with a full payload, making it the world's longest-range twin-engine freighter, Boeing claimed.

"The successful application of the 777 technology to the cargo market is reflected in the broad customer base for the airplane," said Kim Pastega, deputy program manager and project engineer for the 777 freighter program.

To date, Boeing has secured 78 firm orders from 11 customers for the 777 Freighter, including Air France and China Southern Airlines. Lessor Deucalion will lease its 777 freighters to AeroLogic, Emirates, FedEx and Korea Air, among others.

Flight test and certification program will begin in June. The first 777 Freighter will be delivered to Air France in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Robert W. Moorman