777 reaches milestone: 1 million ETOPs flights
Lots of so-called “milestones” don’t matter much. This one is different. Boeing’s globe-girdling 777 fleet just hit the one-million flight mark for forays conducted under what’s called “ETOPS” rules. ETOPS stands for Extended Twin Engine Operations, and the concept has evolutionized the way we travel.
Previously, you needed four, or at the very least three, engines before venturing out over the ocean on routes to Europe or the Far East. ETOPS changed that, first with the Boeing 767 in the mid-1980s, and then on longer routes (such as Atlanta to Tokyo) with the 777.
ETOPS airplanes, particularly the engines, are prepared to more exacting standards and maintained meticulously. Today, twin-engine aircraft such as the 777, 767, and Airbus A330 serve the majority of routes across the Atlantic. What was once considered a stretch is now commonplace, and the safety record racked up by ETOPS-prepared airplanes has been excellent.
Boeing’s 777 (known within the industry as the Triple Seven) plies some decidedly long-haul routes under the colors of a slew of carriers. Among them are American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways and others.
Due to the economics afforded by twin-engine craft in comparison to four-engine 747s and A340s, airlines can offer more nonstop rotes to more cities – routes on which a quad-engine aircraft might have a harder time making money. The result is more options for more fliers.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler