The first-ever Boeing 777 was donated to the Pima Air & Space Museum.

 Pima Air & Space Museum

The Pima Air & Space Museum just got a new arrival.Β 

The first-ever Boeing 777 airplane was donated to the Pima Air & Space Museum on Tuesday, according to a news release from airline Cathay Pacific.Β 

The new plane, which is a permanent addition to the museum, made its Tucson debut on Tuesday after flying thousands of miles from Hong Kong.Β 

The airplane was first flown in 1994 and was used as a test plane for the many years following.Β 

During the 18 years that Boeing 777 was with Cathay Pacific, it operated more than 20,000 flights.Β 

The plane holds a "very special place" in the history of Cathay Pacific, Rupert Hogg, the airline's chief executive officer, said in the release.Β 

"We are very pleased it will soon bring enjoyment to enthusiasts at its new home in Arizona," he said.Β 

According to a Facebook posting from the museum, the plane flew into the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and was towed to the museum's location at 6000 E. Valencia Road.Β 

A visit to Pima Air & Space MuseumΒ 

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Contact reporter Gloria Knott at gknott@tucson.com or 573-4235. On Twitter: @gloriaeknott