Boeing closed the Boeing Classic golf tournament with a spectacular flyover, performed by its flagship new widebody, the 777X. WH001, Boeing’s first 777-9, stunned the crowds at the event, performing a figure of eight in the skies above the course.
Boeing shows off its newest widebody
A Boeing 777X soared over the closing ceremony of the Boeing Classic golf tournament on Sunday, maintaining a tradition but also paying homage to the efforts of the global community to tackle the COVID pandemic. The 777-9 used was WH001, the first to roll off the production line, and sported a special decal with the words “stronger together” on the fuselage.
"Stronger Together."
Yesterday the Everett-built Boeing 777X closed the @BoeingClassic with a spectacular flyover. A decal on the airplane honors the aviation community's efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/jvlDQLSD0J
— Boeing in Washington (@BoeingWA) August 24, 2021
Flight tracking shows the 777-9 undertaking some impressive loops and turns over the golf course, flying for 22 minutes in total. The aircraft stayed low, averaging around 3,000 feet, dipping to 1,900 feet for part of the display. Boeing said it performed a figure of eight over the golf course to honor the eight customers of the 777X, each of which had its tail painted on the aircraft.
The Boeing flyover usually opens the event at the start of the week. However, the weather was not playing ball, with low cloud cover, unfortunately canceling the flyover on day one of the tournament. Instead, the 777-9 arrived to close the event, passing over the crowds directly after the last putt.
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Sponsorship extended for at least three years
Since its inception, Boeing has been a big part of the PGA Tour Champions event at the Club at Snoqualmie Ridge. As a major business in the Puget Sound region, its sponsorship of the event was a natural move.
But its contract for sponsorship was coming to an end this year. With the pressures of the pandemic and huge losses in recent months weighing on its books, there was speculation that the contract would not be renewed. However, any concerns were put to rest on Friday, when Boeing confirmed it would be sponsoring the event for at least three more years.
Stan Deal, president & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented on the event, saying,
“As the title sponsor of The Boeing Classic since its inception, Boeing is honored to continue partnering with many of our customers and regional business and civic leaders to make an impact here in the Puget Sound. The Boeing Classic has provided millions of dollars in charitable giving and countless opportunities for Boeing employees to contribute to our community’s future. We are thrilled to continue this partnership.”
Boeing says that the tournament, which has been a firm fixture since 2005, has raised more than $8 million. The event raises money for local charities, primarily for Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, a leading organization in the field of immune system diseases.
Last year’s event was canceled due to COVID but was able to go ahead this year with various health and safety measures in place. Brian Flajole, Boeing Classic event director, commented that,
“We were cautiously optimistic that the tournament would happen, but we didn’t know exactly what it would look like or if we’d be able to have spectators in person.”
Thankfully, with plenty of planning and COVID safe measures during the event, it was able to go ahead largely as normal. Rod Pampling was the winner of the tournament, shooting a 6-under 66 to finish at 12-under 204. With plenty of spectators in attendance, the Boeing 777-9 had a sizeable audience for its dramatic flypast.
