The advancements in aviation technology over the years have enabled airlines to fly many non-stop routes that were not possible in previous decades. Today, modern jetliners such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 are often deployed on long-haul routes, but even before them, Boeing developed a long-range version of its popular 777 series called the Boeing 777-200LR, specifically designed for ultra-long-haul flights. As the 777-200LR completes 19 years of existence, we look at the ten longest flights by the type.

Developed for long flights

Boeing has developed several variants of its popular 777 jet, catering to the evolving needs of airlines across the world. The first 777-200 flew in 1994, followed by the 777-200ER (extended range) and the 777-300, which featured a stretched fuselage. This was again followed by another extended-range version called the 777-300ER.

But the plane manufacturer wasn’t done. It went on to develop the 777-200LR (long range), keeping in mind some of the longest routes in the world, such as those from North America to Asia, among others. With a range of up to 8,555 nautical miles (15,843 km), the aircraft entered into service with Pakistan International Airlines in 2005.

The 777-200LR never really gained the mass appeal that its other cousins did and has been in service with just a handful of airlines. Still, it continues to operate some of the world’s longest air routes with a few carriers.

Ten longest Boeing 777-200LR routes

The following ten routes have been selected based on the longest 777-200LR flights by distance. Data has been extracted from Cirium Aviation Analytics, with Air India featuring predominantly on the list along with three other carriers.

10) Delhi-Toronto (DEL-YYZ)

Air Canada’s route connecting Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport with Toronto Pearson International Airport on Canada’s East Coast comes in at number 10. This 7,246-mile-long route (11,661 km) sees demand all through the year and is also operated by Air India’s 777-300ER.

9) Delhi-Newark (DEL-EWR)

Air India keeps switching between the -300ER and the -200LR variants of the 777 to fly between this popular sector. At 7,323 miles long (11,785 km), it is also served by United Airlines’ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

8) Doha-Sao Paulo (DOH-GRU)

This is another route that sees both the 777-300ER and 777-200LR variants from the same airline – Qatar Airways. The airline has two daily departures from its hub in Doha to the Brazilian city on a route that is 7,368 miles long (11,857 km).

7) Dubai-Rio De Janeiro (DXB-GIG)

Another route connecting the Middle East with Brazil sees the Boeing 777-200LR operated by Emirates. While the first part of this flight is 7,383 miles long (11,881 km), the second leg, between Rio and Buenos Aires, is much shorter.

6) Delhi-San Francisco (DEL-SFO)

Another one of Air India’s ultra-long-haul India-US flights connects India’s capital city Delhi with the popular US West Coast destination of San Francisco. At 7,706 miles long (12,401 km), it was previously also served by United Airlines, which had to pull out due to airspace restrictions over Russia, a problem not faced by Air India.

5) Sydney-Vancouver (SYD-YVR)

Air Canada’s ultra-long-haul flight flies from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern, covering 7,755 miles (12,480 km). This route is also served by Australian flag carrier Qantas using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

4) Mumbai-New York (BOM-JFK)

In addition to its Mumbai-Newark flight (operated by Boeing 777-300ER), Air India also connects India’s commercial hub with New York JFK using its 777-200LR. The route is 7,797 miles long (12,548 km).

3) Dallas-Doha (DFW-DOH)

Qatar Airways operates two daily flights between the cities using its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft for flight QR730 and a 777-200LR for QR732. At 7,930 miles long (12,762 km), this route makes it to the top three on the list.

2) Mumbai-San Francisco (BOM-SFO)

Air India started this route a little over a year ago amid its overall international expansion post-privatization. Currently, it uses its newly acquired 777 aircraft for all US routes out of Mumbai, and this one uses the ex-Delta 777-200LR, covering a distance of 8,401 miles (13,520 km).

1) Bengaluru-San Francisco (BLR-SFO)

The top spot goes to another India-US route, once again operated by the flag carrier Air India. The world’s longest 777-200LR route connects Bengaluru in South India and San Francisco (both tech hubs) and covers a whopping 8,691 miles (13,968 km).

Have you been on any of these ultra-long-haul flights? Do let us know in the comment section.