To me this is probably the most interesting new aircraft delivery in quite a while, though I’m not sure others will share my enthusiasm.
Continue reading: Turkmenistan Airlines’ Fascinating New Boeing 777-200LR
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
A quick note is that this isn't identical to Turkish Airlines B777 business class, but rather TK's old B777 business class. TK updated the interiors (starting way back in 2016-2017, I believe) to feature a (some might say slightly) better version of this seat. I actually think that these seats are very comfortable and spacious - vastly better than TK's latest staggered seats. Also, as a side note, I think that Turkmenistan Airlines' B777 business class feature the "stars" in the ceiling, just as e.g. EVA Air).
It makes me happy to see new 777s. I much prefer the big wide bodies long haul with straight walls like the 777 and 747 were. A380 too, but most Airbus walls as on a330/a350 curve too much inwards if you get a window seat. Plus 777 you get you own blind so far better than 787 if not in business in my opinion.
This was the last B777LR “passenger” to be built, but don’t forget the “Cargo” variant the B777F which based on the exact same aircraft. They are being built still and are wildly successful with FedEx being its biggest customer and over 50 types by the end of 2021!
While the "range" of the more expensive LR goes unused, the extra fuel tank capacity definitely does not! Turkmenistan is a leading producer of refined jet fuel, which is sold at extraordinarily favorable rates to their flag carrier (and somewhat less favorable rates to other airlines and neighboring nations). The longer range option allows them to exclusively refuel at their hub for both an outbound and return flight.
Interesting article on this B777LR; thank you. Once this pandemic fades, it will be fun to read your review of Turkmenistan Airlines (are they a dry airline?) > as well as > Ashgabat International Airport!
Not to mention the fact that if the 777-9 ends up scrapped. production of the older passenger versions will have to resume... This or letting Airbus become the ONLY major airframe manufacturer... which probably won't happen.
I think it probably has to do more with the cult of personality going on involving their president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov - Turkmenistan, as policy goes, is closer to North Korea than it is to any of the other -stans.
Seems like it's 100% the case with Turkmenistan. They live (under the orders of their autocratic government) it seems just to show off their country and break records. They seem to be a proud small nation (though there is nothing necessarily to be proud about) and will take every opportunity to prove that they're the best or won't stop until they improve. Through their capital city (just a white marble show city), airport, flag parades and in this case their airline as well, they just want everyone to see what they have. Thankfully, probably to President Gurbanguly's disappointment, most people know the truth and see that it's just a weird dictator's playground with in reality very little to show.
It's possible Turkmenistan has figured how to optimize efficiently those new alternative fuels such as bio-fuels, and perhaps Boeing wants in on it, otherwise their advisers on both sides would have warned against a LR version when the airline's longest route is a third the distance of the tanks capacity (per the previous comments.)
"I imagine it’s not every day you see a nonstop flight between Lake Charles and Turkmenbashi"
That comment made my day!
The logical reason I can see for Turkmenistan is the desire to have a direct flight to the United States. The plane would the capacity to fly there and save on refueling costs due to the extra capacity for fuel maybe? It could be completely wrong but it feels as if this was bought with a prestige project in mind.