Gulf International 777-200

In the final months of 1989, Gulf International was one of a few carriers approached by Boeing to participate in the development and design process for the aerospace giant's latest project: the 777, of which it was unveiled to prospective customers in December of that year. At the first group meeting the following year, Gulf and the other airlines were given a questionnaire, asking them what they wanted to include in the design. Among Gulf's suggestions put forward was an increase in fuel efficiency, lower operating costs and a middle-of-the-market capacity; larger than the DC-10 but smaller than the 747, making it an ideal replacement for the majority of the longhaul fleet. On October 23, 1990, Gulf International became the second US airline to order the 777, placing an order of 28 777-200s (plus 21 options) worth over USD15 billion, the first of which entered Gulf service on a flight from New Orleans to Dublin on June 22, 1995

Alongside the Airbus A330-300, the Boeing 777 constituted the majority of the Gulf longhaul fleet of the '90s and the 2000s; replacing most of the DC-10s and L-1011s not already taken over from the Boeing 767. Until the introduction of the -200ER in 1997, Gulf 777-200s were mainly seen on transatlantic flights out of New Orleans and Miami, however it also provided additional capacity on flights to Hawaii during the holidays. Later on, it was transferred to Gulf's newly-created Los Angeles hub, as it underwent a transition from an airline from the Southern US to a Major, True-blue, all-American airline. From Los Angeles, it continued to fly throughout Latin America, to secondary European destinations and to Hawaii, as well as a few mainline domestic services to New York and Chicago. For a short time in 2006, it also flew services between Los Angeles and Guam to connect with GulfConnect's asian operations there. In LA the -200 remained until its retirement in 2007, its operations taken over by newer -200ERs and the Airbus A330-200.

Boeing 777-200, Louis Armstrong, N772GF.

Delivered to Gulf International, June 14, 1995.
Retired, donated to Gulf Air Historical Society, September 13, 2006.
On display at Louisiana Aviation Museum, Lakefront Airport, January 7, 2008.