Originally Posted by
Dr. HFH
You sure? A year or two ago, a 772-LR did HKG-LHR nonstop flying eastbound, 22 hours. Granted, it was with the prevailing winds.
I believe that was also a test flight, with no passengers or cargo.
Here's what Boeing has to say.
772-LR London Range Map. This assumes three "standard" Boeing installed auxiliary fuel tanks.
And no mention of load. Sure fill up the fuel tanks. It will fly longer without cargo then it will with. It also doesn't take into account the fuel reserve requirements for the flight. No good flying from SYD to London then have no fuel left to wait for a landing slot. Then if they encounter any weather on the route which causes a rerouting, they’ll have to land somewhere for more fuel.
The operational range of aircraft is less than the range stated by the manufacturer. Seat configuration, cargo capacity, required minimum fuel reserves, weather, ETOPS requirements and over flight rights all limit the possible range.
QF/BA can’t do LHR-SYD with a 772LR. They could do LHR-PER. Running SYD/MEL-BKK/HKG/SIN-LHR is much more useful then SYD/MEL-PER-LHR.