B-HNL
 

Is B-HNL the experimental plane? I don't think so, but some rumours say B-HNL is the first 777 that CX purchased long time ago... Also, rumours say B-HNL is the world's first 777, but I believe world's first 777 is N7771 belongs to Boeing. Is this true?

[This message has been edited by Malingerer (edited 20 December 2000).]

B-HNL is actually the very first 777 and was delivered to CX very recently after refitting and re-engining. Cathay's first 777 was B(then VR-)HNC, delivered in May 1996. ('HNA wasn't delivered until August of that year. It was actually the first Trent powered 777 and thus was involved in flight testing.)

Incidentally, anyone know a timeframe for refitting the first four 777s to -300 standard, eg PTVs etc.?

So, if B-HNC is Cathay's first 777, then what about B-HNB? Also, does anybody know the N-code of B-HNL?

B-HNL is indeed the ex-Boeing 777 owned by Boeing, the one you see in all the magazines and books in Boeing house colours. Serial 27116, Line no. 1.

B-HNC was indeed the first 777 delivered to Cathay, but was newer than B-HNA and B-HNB, these aircraft being used for test and certification purposes. B-HNC was not used, as far as I know, so was delivered soon after roll-out, whereas HNA and HNB has to be retrofitted and cleaned up before delivery.

Hope this answers your question.

[This message has been edited by geh065 (edited 21 December 2000).]

So,
B-HNL=w/Boeing House color on (but not anymore)
B-HNA=testing w/trent after roll-out (in service now)
B-HNB=testing w/trent after roll-out (in service now)
others 772=roll-out then enter service
Are these correct?

[This message has been edited by Malingerer (edited 21 December 2000).]

Yes.