Boeing 777 In Canada's North For Cold-Weather Flight Tests

SEATTLE - A Boeing 777 destined for delivery to British Airways - WA077 - is in Canada's Northwest Territories beginning cold-weather flight testing that would lead to Federal Aviation Administration approval for long flights over water.

The jetliner, with General Electric engines, is undergoing 1,000 flight tests leading to the special certification that will allow it to be used on routes that are three hours from an emergency airport.

Led by pilot Leon Roberts, the flight testing is expected to take about four months.

British Airways plans to use the 777s on trans-Atlantic routes beginning in late summer or early fall. Problems with the new GE90 engines delayed the start of the special testing for the ocean flights.

British Airways operates three 777s on European and Middle East routes and will take delivery of a fourth in early May.