Boeing Co. unveiled a long-range version of its 777 commercial airliner last Tuesday, which the company said can fly from London to Sydney, making it the world's longest-range commercial aircraft.

　　The planes are powered by two General Electric GE90-115B engines, which the company said is the world's most powerful commercial jet engine.

　　The twin-engine airplane, when equipped with three optional fuel tanks, will be capable of flying 9,420 nautical miles, enough to "connect any two cities in the world today", said Lars Andersen, Boeing's vice president in charge of the 777 program at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

　　The new, 301-passenger, long-range 777 is expected to make its first flight in March and will be delivered first to Pakistan International airlines, its launch customer for the new version of the 777, in January of 2006.

　　The 777-200LR will compete directly with Airbus's A340-600 and A340-500.