The B777-300ER

Market Presence. The size of the twin engined -300ER is such that it essentially replaces the B747-200 and indeed offers an alternative to the -400. The twin engine configuration presents the market with previously unimagined power and operating efficiency. The ability to extract ever higher thrust ratings from two engines has played a pivotal role in allowing the B777 to be used on long haul routes where it excels. The B777-300ER seemingly features an expanding range of operating weights, influencing the payload/range capability of the type as well residual values. The direct competitor to the B777-300ER is the A340-600 though operators are increasingly frustrated by the less than competitive operating costs of the Airbus product. The loss of a few low yielding economy passengers compared to that accommodated by the B747-400 is more than made up for in relative efficiency. The wide interior of the B777-300ER offers operators considerable opportunities when seeking to incorporate ever more sophisticated passenger amenities. There exists much debate over the relative attraction of the B777 and A340 fuselage diameters. The greater diameter of the B777 sometimes results in greater than two abreast seating in business class. Boeing has gone to great lengths in designing the B777 interior to give the impression and reality of more space not least in terms of offering first class suites.