Chronology of the airliners industry (7) 1996 -2000

Chronology of the airliners industry (7)
1996-2000

1996

:: October 7, 1996 ::

The Boeing 777-200ER (Extended Range) makes its first flight.

1997

:: February 6, 1997 ::

The first 777-200ER is delivered to British Airways. Three days later the airplane enters commercial service, flying from London to Boston.

:: April 28, 1997 ::

The Boeing board of directors formally approves the launch of the stretched 767-400ER.

:: June 15, 1997 ::

Airbus announces the 'commercial launch' of the Airbus A340-600 and -500 at the Paris Air Show.

:: August 1, 1997 ::

Virgin Atlantic Airways and Air Canada announce the intention to become launch customers for the A340-600 and -500.

:: August 13, 1997 ::

The Airbus A330-200 flies for the first time. The flight lasts 4 hours and 10 minutes.

:: October 16, 1997 ::

The 777-300 makes its first flight. The flight takes 4 hours and 6 minutes.

:: December 8, 1997 ::

Airbus formally launches the A340-600 and -500.

1998

:: March 11, 1998 ::

Boeing delivers the first two 767 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) airplanes to the government of Japan.

:: March 31, 1998 ::

JAA and Transport Canada certify the first, GE CF6-powered variant of the Airbus A330-200.

:: May 4, 1998 ::

The FAA and JAA grant type certification to the 777-300. The FAA also approves the airplane for 180-minutes ETOPS.

:: May 22, 1998 ::

The first 777-300 is delivered to Cathay Pacific. The airline inaugurates its new airplane into service on May 27, 1998, flying from Hong Kong to Taipei, Taiwan.

:: 29 May 1998 ::

The first A330-200 (CF-6 powered) enters service with Canada 3000. The aircraft is leased from launch customer ILFC.

1999

:: July 6, 1999 ::

General Electric's GE90 derivative engine is selected as the sole power plant for the proposed longer-range derivatives of the 777.

:: August 10, 1999 ::

Major assembly begins on first 747-400 Freighter to be used as platform for U.S. Air Force's Airborne Laser program.

:: October 9, 1999 ::

The first Boeing First 767-400ER completes its first flight. The aircraft is in the air for 5 hours and 5 minutes.

2000

:: February 29, 2000 ::

The Boeing board of directors approves the formal launch of two longer-range derivatives of the 777, the 777-200LR (Longer Range) and 777-300ER (Extended Range).

:: July 20, 2000 ::

The 767-400ER receives certification approval from the FAA as well as type design approval for 180-minute ETOPS.

:: July 24, 2000 ::

Emirates becomes the first customer for the Airbus A380 (still named A3XX).

Airbus intends to build the biggest airliner in the world. (Photo: Airbus)

:: August 11, 2000 ::

Boeing delivers the first 767-400ER to Delta Air Lines. It begins commercial service in October.

:: September 15, 2000 ::

Continental Airlines makes the first commercial flight with the 767-400ER, from Newark to Orlando.

:: November 28, 2000 ::

Boeing launches the Longer-Range 747-400, with an order from Qantas.

:: December 19, 2000 ::

Airbus officially launches the A380, formerly known as A3XX.

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