Boeing’s 777X: The next giant in commercial aviation
Boeing’s latest addition to the 777 family, the 777X, has garnered over 500 orders even before entering commercial service. Here are some key facts about this highly anticipated aircraft:.
Largest of its class
First announced in 2013, the dual-aisle 777X boasts a wingspan of 72 meters and a maximum length of 77 meters, making it the largest dual-engine commercial aircraft in the world. Unlike the four-engine Airbus A380 and Boeing 747, which are no longer manufactured, the 777X relies on just two engines.
As of late June, Boeing had secured 540 orders for the 777X, which will be assembled at the company’s factory in Everett, Washington.
Various versions
The 777X comes in three versions:
- 777-8: Competing directly with the Airbus A350-1000, this version can seat 350 to 370 passengers and has a range of 16,110 kilometers (about 10,000 miles). It has 78 orders.
- 777-9: Capable of carrying between 400 and 425 passengers, the 777-9 can fly as far as 14,075 kilometers (about 8,750 miles). This variant has received 407 orders.
- 777-8 Cargo: Designed for freight, this model can transport up to 118 tons and has 55 orders as of the end of June. In July, Emirates announced plans to purchase an additional five jets.
Certification delays
Initially scheduled to enter service in January 2020, the 777X’s debut has been delayed to 2025 due to certification delays. The US Federal Aviation Administration has yet to certify the jet. In April 2022, Boeing postponed manufacturing until the end of 2023 due to these setbacks. Observers believe the company has built 20 aircraft, in addition to four being used for flight tests.
Costs
Boeing estimates that the 777X will reduce jet fuel consumption per seat and operating costs by 10 percent compared to rival planes. In May 2023, the list price for the 777-8 was $410.2 million, while the 777-9 was priced at $442.2 million.
The aircraft comprises about three million parts and roughly 215 kilometers of cables. Its engine, the GE9X produced by General Electric, is the largest ever manufactured, with a diameter of 3.4 meters (11.1 feet).