|
The Boeing
777-200LR worldliner, the world's longest-range commercial airplane, was
officially named "Zheng He" Tuesday at Beijing's Capital International Airport.
(Xinhua photo)
(Xinhua
photo)
(Xinhua
photo)
BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhuanet) -- The Boeing 777-200LR worldliner, the
world's longest-range commercial airplane, was officially named "Zheng He"
Tuesday at Beijing's Capital International Airport during a ceremony to
commemorate the seven incredible voyages by the great Chinese navigator and
explorer Zheng He.
This year marks the 600th anniversary of Zheng He's
first voyage and is being celebrated with a series of official commemorations.
The achievements of Zheng He are believed to represent a major step forward by
bringing people from the ends ofthe earth closer together. Although varying in
time and space, Zheng He's sailboats and the Boeing 777-200LR similarly utilize
state-of-the-art technologies. Boeing has dedicated the Beijing arrival of the
airplane to Zheng He on its latest stop on the 777-200LR "Going the Distance"
world tour.
Six centuries ago, Zheng He pushed the physical limits of navigation
beyond what the world thought possible. His greatest achievement was to bring so
many people, countries, cultures and economies together. Zheng He's name is
synonymous with exploration,human ingenuity, and the spirit of friendship and
international exchange, said Nicole Piasecki, executive vice president, business
strategy and marketing of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Lin Zuyi from the Steering Committee said, "Six centuries ago, our
great navigator Zheng He of the Ming Dynasty started his firstvoyage, and
successfully accomplished seven incredible voyages in the following 28 years.
This was a marvelous event in the history of mankind to explore the world and
chart the sea."
Lin said it is extremely meaningful for Boeing to name its newest model
"Zheng He", and its world tour "Going the Distance".
"We believe that Zheng He's reputation will be reinforced through the
naming of the airplane and its world tour. The airplane tour will also bring our
wish for friendship, peace, and development to the world, to let the world know
Zheng He, China, and Boeing," Lin said.
The tour which began in Canada last month will visit more than 20
cities through AugustThe 777-200LR, capable of connecting virtually any two
cities in the world non-stop, is the fifth 777 model. In service it can carry
301 passengers and baggage up to 17,445 kilometers, a non-stop distance roughly
Beijing to Seattle and back. Three airlines have so far ordered or announced
commitments for the 777-200LR. |
