We've been going out around the globe for the past several years telling Boeing's story very aggressively. In fact I just got back from a long trip to Europe talking with people across the Continent about passenger desire for more point to point service.

The 777-200LR takes off at the start of its three-hour first flight on March 8. Boeing test pilots took the airplane to 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) and an air speed of 270 knots, or about 310 miles (500 kilometers) per hour, customary for a first flight.

That's why it was so fun this past Tuesday to see the 777-200LR Worldliner take off into the blue sky over Paine Field in Everett, WA for its first flight. Here is an airplane that will truly open up the world to non-stop flights at a range of up to 9,420 nautical miles.

I think it's great that here we are, already into the flight-test program for the Worldliner, just three weeks after the roll-out. The program is on schedule, and we're looking forward to our team working through the milestones.

Now, sometime before the Paris Air Show in June, we expect that the A380, which Airbus unveiled in January, will begin its own flight-test program. It's going to be interesting to see that fly.

The Worldliner touches down at Boeing Field in Seattle, followed closely by the T-33 chase plane which supported the takeoff and landing.

I believe these airplanes represent two different views of the future of air travel. The 777-200LR gets you where you're going, without long waits. The A380 is all about waiting. Waiting to board, waiting to connect, waiting to get your luggage, waiting to get to your destination.

Just something to think about while we wait for the A380 to take to the air.