Kuwait Airways took delivery of the eighth aircraft of a family of long-range twin-engine jets, known as the Boeing 777-300ER.
The addition of the aircraft to Kuwait Airways' fleet was part of a 12-year sale and leaseback deal struck with aircraft-leasing company ALAFCO, Kuwait Airways Chairman Sami Al-Rashid told the press.
He noted that the deal was not “merely a financial transaction with one of our partners, but a step towards a brighter future for Kuwait.” Moreover, the Chairman of Kuwait Airways said that the company's partnership with ALAFCO remains its best bet to ensure long-term success.
Kuwait Airways has thus far received eight aircraft as part of a 10-aircraft deal expected to be completed shortly.
One of the oldest airlines in the Gulf region, the Kuwaiti government acquired full ownership of Kuwait Airways in 1962.
The Boeing 777-300ER (“ER” for Extended Range) is the B-market version of the 777-300. It features raked and extended wingtips, a new main landing gear, reinforced nose gear, and extra fuel tanks.
The 777-300ER also has a strengthened fuselage, wings, empennage (tail assembly), and engine attachments. The maximum range is 7,930 nm, made possible due to a higher MTOW along with the increased fuel capacity.
The 777-300ER can fly approximately 34% farther than the -300 with a full load of passengers and cargo. B77W is member of the B777 family of aircraft.