Photo: Dale Coleman – Gallery page, GFDL 1.2, The Worldliner PIA Boeing 777-200ER taking off from Manchester Airport, circa 2006. “I’m honored to be among the team of outstanding Boeing people who have made this historic flight possible.” She was the ‘Project Pilot Leader’ for the record flight, according to Boeing. “The flight plan we have in place will allow us to set a new distance record well above the current one,” said Captain Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann. Some Air Traffic Controllers were even reportedly confused as to why the aircraft flew such an extended route. Instead, it turned east after departure and flew over the Pacific Ocean towards the United States. The aircraft should have flown west across China, Russia, and northern Europe. What makes the record-setting flight of the Worldliner especially unique is the route it took. Photo: derivative work: Altair78 (talk)B777-200LR_Paris_Air_Show_2005.jpg: Grippenn (Michel Zacharz)Grippenn, CC BY-SA 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons Flying the Wrong Way
Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner at the 2005 Paris Air Show. Captain John Cashman and Captain Randy Austin would take over for them later en route. Captain Suzanna Darcy-Hennemann and Captain Frank Santoni were at the controls when the Worldliner departed Hong Kong. Two sets of Pilots were required for the flight. Geoffrey Thomas, one of the writers on board, described it being like a “personal VIP jet.” A total of 35 people including Boeing executives, airline customers, media journalists, and Pilots were present for the around-the-world flight. It had business class seats for passengers, a reception area for presentations, several economy seats, and some test equipment. The aircraft’s cabin was specially configured for its trip. According to Guinness World Records, it flew a distance of 13,433 mi (21,592 km) and spent 22 hrs and 42 mins in the air. The jet departed Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) destined for London Heathrow Airport (LHR). MIAMI – Today in Aviation, the Boeing 777-200LR Worldliner made history in 2005 when it completed the longest nonstop flight operated by a commercial aircraft.