United Airlines, known for its extensive fleet and as a founding member of the Star Alliance, operates the oldest Boeing 777 still in service. The aircraft, designated N774UA, is a Boeing 777-200 that began operations in May 1995. This particular model was part of an initial order by United Airlines, which was the first major airline to commit to the 777 series with a significant $11 billion order for 34 aircraft.
The Boeing 777-200 was designed to fill the gap between Boeing's 767 and 747 models. Development began in 1989, with test flights starting in 1994. It officially entered service in 1995 after being developed with input from several airlines including All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and United Airlines.
United's N774UA took its first test flight on July 15, 1994. Now over three decades old and powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4077 engines, it remains active within United's fleet of nineteen Boeing 777-200s used mainly for domestic transcontinental routes. However, these aircraft are slated for replacement by newer models like the Boeing 787.