Last week Air France took delivery of the first Boeing 777F freighter.

Every new aircraft is given a water cannon salute, and for aviation romantics like me, it is always a poignant occasion, and one we do not see too often.

Courtesy Liz Matzelle enjoy these two videos of the new "Le Freighter" being given its first shower, and then taking off for its new home at Paris Charles De Gaulle airport.

Special thanks to Liz Matzelle and Jon Ostrower. Liz is a wonderful observer of birds and has some excellent videos. Jon, I cannot say enough compliments about him. His title says it all - FlightBlogger!!!

Do take the time to visit their respective sites. It will be time well spent.

Boeing delivered the company's first 777 Freighter (777F) to launch customer Air France Cargo in a ceremony at the Future of Flight Aviation Center Tour near Paine Field yesterday.

The contractual delivery and airplane departure are scheduled for Friday, and Air France will land F-GUOC, at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport tomorrow, 21 February, to join the airline’s fleet.

This video from Liz Matzelle shows the Boeing 777F being wheeled in to position for the ceremony. Thanks Liz. This aircraft does not wear the new livery Air France introduced a week ago.

Providing cargo capacity normally associated with larger airplanes, the 777 Freighter can fly 4,880 nautical miles (9,038 kilometers) with a full payload of 226,700 pounds (103 metric tons). Air France Cargo has ordered five of these aircraft to progressively replace the 747-400 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) in its fleet. Air France currently operates five 747-400ER Freighters (ERFs) and four 747-400BCFs.

With a full payload of 103 tonnes, able to carry a total of 37 pallets, equipped with a deck that can accommodate 3-metre pallets and a wide side door, the Boeing 777 freighter is able to carry the same type of freight as the Boeing 747 over equivalent distances.