Boeing testing new freight plane at Yuma airport

  Boeing's new, highly advanced 777 freighter landed at the Yuma International Airport late Wednesday afternoon as part of upcoming hot-weather testing.

  "It's really incredible to see," said Kia Cellestine, the airport's business development manager. "You tell yourself it is just another airplane, but when get to see it, you see how impressive it is."

  Boeing's first 777 took the sky on July 14 for its inaugural test flight, a flight that would eventually bring the airplane to Yuma.

  Cellestine, who said she doesn't know the specifics of the tests Boeing will be conducting, added that it will require eight straight days of 100-plus degree temperatures.

  "This would be the place for it, but would you believe that the weather here in Yuma isn't exactly cooperating," Cellestine said.

  The testing, she said, is scheduled to last just under a week.

  While here, the airport and Bet-Ko Jet Center will be working together to provide handling services to Boeing.

  "We love the business - it's terrific," said Gary Trimm of Bet-Ko in a news release announcing the testing.

  "Bet-Ko is taking care of us," said Mike Sharpe of Boeing, in the same release.

  Bet-Ko will provide the fuel, catering and any other coordination Boeing will need while here.

  Boeing also brought 60 of its own people and a large amount of supporting equipment for the testing.

  Cellestine added that Boeing's current testing could pave the way for future tests because the airport is well-established with the military, military contractors and civilian manufacturers as an ideal testing facility.

  She added that the airport collaborates closely with local economic development agencies to attract not only new air service but also new industry.

  According to Boeing's Web site, the new 777 was built in response to a strong demand from cargo operators around the world for an efficient, long-range and high-capacity freighter. 

   The 777 Freighter will provide more capacity than any other twin-engine freighter. With a maximum takeoff weight of 766,000 pounds (347,450 kilograms), the 777 Freighter will have a revenue payload capability of 226,000 pounds (103 metric tons).

  Boeing also has a passenger class of the 777, which was launched in 1990.

  "This one is meant to haul cargo," Cellestine said.

  As the newest 777, the freighter will be capable of flying 4,885 nautical miles (9,045 km) with a full payload, which will translate into significant savings for cargo operators.

  The 777 Freighter will share the design's advanced features: state-of-the-art flight deck, fly-by-wire design and an advanced wing design, including raked wing tips.

   It is powered by the world's most powerful commercial jet engine: General Electric's GE90-110B1. The freighter will also meet noise standards for maximum accessibility to noise-sensitive airports.

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James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854.