Just over two years ago, we reported that Turkmenistan Airlines had placed an order for a single Boeing 777-200LR. At the time of the 2019 announcement, the delivery date had not been specified, leaving us to wonder if and when the aircraft would actually be delivered to the central Asian carrier. Almost two years and one month later, we have our answer, with the carrier taking delivery of the world's last 777-200LR.

About the recent delivery

Turkmenistan's newest addition to its fleet is the carrier's fourth Boeing 777-200LR. According to ch-aviation.com, the aircraft has the following details:

• MSN: 66893
• Registration: EZ-A780
• Configuration: 28 business class seats, 263 in economy class for a total capacity of 291.

The aircraft is owned and managed by Turkmenistan Airlines and thus is not under any lease agreement.

The world's last passenger -200LR

While it's the fourth 777-200LR for Turkmenistan Airlines, this latest delivery also marks a much more significant milestone: The delivery of the last passenger 777-200LR.

It was back in early 2005 that the first Boeing 777-200LR (then nicknamed the 'Worldliner') completed its first flight prior to a rigorous test program. Hailed as the world's longest-range commercial airplane at the time, the plane was designed with three optional auxiliary fuel tanks in the cargo hold.

On November 9th, 2005, Boeing decided to fly a demonstration model of this type the ‘wrong way around the world from Hong Kong to London to show off its range. Usually, aircraft would fly north-west, passing over China, Russia, and Northern Europe to London. However, this demonstration of its ultra-long-range would take it over the Pacific, over North America, and then over the Atlantic.

Since its first delivery to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Boeing has gone on to deliver a total of 61 -200LRs to 14 customers (this includes two different VIP customers for BBJ configurations). Air Canada, Air India, Delta Air Lines, and Emirates are among the aircraft's notable operators.

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Too much range?

As we've mentioned in an analysis piece, the Boeing 777-200LR was an amazing aircraft on paper. However, in reality, its lengthy range may have been the reason for the type's low sales figures.

Boeing tackled the problem of long-haul intercontinental routes by fitting the aircraft with larger fuel tanks. Carrying additional quantities of fuel increases fuel burn since extra fuel must be burned to carry... the extra fuel. Airlines who operated the type sometimes found that they had trouble starting ultra-long-haul routes (an already niche operation) due to this factor.

Since the development of the Boeing 777-200LR, both Airbus and Boeing have shifted towards increasing fuel-burn efficiency to increase range rather than install additional fuel tanks (with the A321XLR being one notable exception to this with its center fuel tank).

Have you ever flown on a Boeing 777-200LR? Share your experience by leaving a comment.