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Boeing 777 represents another
mark VARIG’s history. VARIG was the first airline in Latin America
to operate this model. The first one, PP-VRA, arrived on November 3,
2001. On November 13, the aircraft made its first flight between Rio
de Janeiro and Porto Alegre. VARIG’s Boeing 777-200 are equipped
with the most modern individual entertainment system with 10 movie,
musicals, news and documentaries channels, 12 music channels, 10
games and flight information, in all classes. B777 is also equipped
with phone and internet access via satellite. VARIG was the fourth
airline in the world to offer Internet onboard.
VARIG’s Boeing 777 first regular route was Rio de Janeiro - São
Paulo - London - Copenhagen. The second, PP-VRB, flight for the
first time on Rio de
Janeiro - São Paulo - Paris - Amsterdam route.
The PP-VRA was baptized as "Otto Meyer," VARIG’s founder and PP-VRB
as "Ruben Berta”, VARIG’s first employee. It also won a special
painting to commemorate VARIG’s 75th anniversary.
However the financial crisis faced by the company prevented the
receipt of the other two units of the original order. VARIG had
selected Boeing 777 as a replacement for MD-11, since Boeing was
more modern, more economical and offered a much higher comfort
standard.
In 2004 VARIG started to acquire used units. In February VARIG
received the PP-VRC and in March the PP-VRD. These two units were
from the first version, with less range. In December VARIG brought
two more units, PP-VRE and PP-VRF, this time Boeing 777-200ER
version, totaling six units in the fleet.
In 2005 the last two units were incorporated, PP-VRI in February,
and PP-VRJ in April, these two were also of the version with less
range Boeing 777-200.
VARIG's despair in acquiring more B777 units, ally with the
financial crisis faced by the company, meant that the aircraft
acquired by the company were not in good condition and completely
nonstandardized. The two initial units ordered by VARIG were
equipped with General Electric 90-94B engines, but later units had
Pratt & Whitney engines. Otherwise two units acquired by VARIG had a
configuration with 22 seats in the first class and 70 in the
business class, totally incompatible with the Brazilian market. But
the company did not have the resources to change it.
VARIG had already reserved the ninth unit's registration (PP-VRH),
but it was never received due to the company's inability to pay
aircraft leasing.
In April 2006 PP-VRB and PP-VRF were withdrawn, PP-VRD was returned
and stocked and PP-VRE was seized in New York and taken over by the
owner. In June 2006 PP-VRI was withdrawn after making Manaus -
Brasília - Rio de Janeiro route. In the same month PP-VRA was
arrested by the Justice after making Munich - São Paulo - Rio de
Janeiro route. The PP-VRC and PP-VRJ remained in operation until the
end of VARIG and both were returned in July 2006.
The PP-VRD became the first Boeing 777 in the world to be dismantled.
Destination of the VARIG Boeing
777:
- to AeroMexico: PP-VRA, PP-VRB
- to Transaero: PP-VRE, PP-VRF, PP-VRI, PP-VRJ
- Returned and stocked: PP-VRC, PP-VRD
VARIG’s Boeing 777:
Configuration 1 (2001-2006): 287 seats
First Class: 6 seats (2 +2 +2 seats per row)
Business class: 49 seats (2 +3 +2 seats per row)
Economy class: 232 seats (3 +3 +3 seats per row)
Configuration 2 (2004-2006): 240 seats
First Class: 22 seats (2 +2 +2 seats per row)
Business class: 70 seats (2 +3 +2 seats per row)
Economy class: 148 seats (3 +3 +3 seats per row)
Configuration 3 (2004-2006): 276 seats
First Class: 12 seats (1 +2 +1 seats per row)
Business class: 49 seats (2 +3 +2 seats per row)
Economy class: 215 seats (3 +3 +3 seats per row)
Configuration 4 (2005-2006): 258 assentos
First Class: 12 assentos (1+2+1 assentos por
fileira)
Business class: 49 assentos (2+3+2 assentos por
fileira)
Economy class: 197 assentos (3+3+3 assentos por
fileira)
No. of units operated: 08
Constructor: The Boeing Company, USA
Engines: Two General Electric 90 - 94B - 93,700 lb. (42.502 kg)
Wingspan: 60.90 m
Length: 63.70 m
Height: 18,50 m
Cruising speed: 950km/h
Range: 11.040Km
Maximum cruising altitude: 13.100m
Maximum takeoff weight: 297.824Kg
Technical crew: 2 pilots
Maximum Capacity: 440 passengers
Maximum Capacity (VARIG configuration): 240-287 passengers
Maximum fuel capacity: 171.000 liters
Minimum runway length: 2,500 m
Conforto:
The new VARIG Boeing 777 introduces a new color
standard in all classes. This concept was developed by PSD, a
British company specialized in interior design. In addition to cabin
new visual identity, the Boeing 777 has new seats models.
In VARIG First, seats reclines 180 degrees, which makes them as
comfortable as beds. VARIG Business spacious and comfortable seats
has assured excellent legroom by increasing distance between the
rows. And VARIG Economy has more ergonomic seats and offer rest for
legs and adjustable head backboard.
All seats have the most modern and revolutionary onboard
entertainment system, AVOD, an interactive audio and video system
where the passenger himself chooses the desired type of
entertainment. There are several movie titles, audio channels and in
real flight status, thanks to Flight Info channel.
VARIG B-777 are equipped with telephone in every seat providing
communication quickly, efficiently and with convenience anywhere in
the world. Thus, it is possible to make phone calls during flight
and call whoever you want.
To use all the features of your laptop and surf for exclusive access
to the Internet during the flight, every seat VARIG First and VARIG
Business has Laptop socket, so you do not miss even a minute of time
on your trip. VARIG First and VARIG Business reading light with
adjustable intensity in every seat. In order to increase comfort and
privacy at bedtime, VARIG First passengers have at their disposal
the Privacy Divider - a small wall between the seats for a much more
pleasant and privacy sleep.
On board VARIG B-777 passengers can send and receive emails through
their personal computer using the onboard phone system, you may have
access to several sites specially selected with content about sports,
weather and journalism, that allows you to track international
events while on board. With this special service, VARIG becomes one
of three airlines in the world to provide Internet access on board
an aircraft.
Technology:
Years of research by thousands of professionals
in all parts of the world, the B-777 is the most modern commercial
aircraft. Its dimensional and aerodynamic characteristics make it
extremely spacious and at the same time economical. Featuring fully
computerized equipment and the latest generation, B-777 is
considered one of the safest aircraft in the world.
Thanks to its unique aerodynamic characteristics, B-777 has great
flight autonomy, reaching 14,260 kilometers (7,700 miles) without
refueling, this is something like a direct flight nonstop between
Los Angeles and Sydney or Los Angeles and Tokyo.
Boeing 777 is a giant of the skies, measuring 63.7 meters long and
60.9 meters of wingspan. The B-777 wings contribute to make it the
most modern and aerodynamic model of aviation history. Its forms
allow extremely fast takeoffs and stable flight at high altitudes,
making travel fast and more comfortable. Another striking feature of
B-777 is its spacious interior. The cabin is higher and the distance
between the seats is greater. B-777 luggage compartment is the
largest available on the market.
Boeing 777 cockpit have six large liquid crystal displays with three
CDUs (Control Display Units). The CDUs have color displays that
allow pilots quickly assimilate all important information about the
flight.
The two new engines GE90-94B developed by General Electric offer an
excellent relationship between fuel consumption and power, providing
40% more thrust compared to other aircraft. Both engines develop
94,000 pounds or 42.502 kg thrust.
In addition to all technology and comfort, VARIG's passengers will
find aboard the high quality care, sophisticated food,
beverages and entertainment.
Quality:
Recognized worldwide for its excellence and
quality, VARIG exclusive flight service its also present in B-777.
VARIG First and VARIG Business you will find what is best in world
and regional cuisine that comes to you through the Top Chefs program.
All dishes are prepared by most renowned chefs in Brazil.
In 2001, VARIG invited Flávia Quaresma from Carême Bistro restaurant
in Rio de Janeiro, Alex Atala from DOM Restaurant in Sao Paulo,
César Santos from Pernambuco Oficina do Sabor restaurant. In 2002
who signs the menus are Francesco Carli from Cipriani Copacabana
Palace restaurant in Rio de Janeiro, Celso Freire from Curitiba
Boulevard restaurant and Ignacio Ito from Sao Paulo Nakombi
restaurant. In VARIG Economy has varied menus with VARIG's onboard
quality service. Moreover all classes has several types of special
meals, kits for children, Duty Free and even more entertainment
options.
More than technology, flying VARIG B-777 means to be attended by the
best and best-trained teams. VARIG crew are prepared to meet all
passenger expectations, trying to make each trip enjoyable, pleasant
and unforgettable.