Boeing has brought together the major fuselage sections to form the first 777X aircraft that will take to the skies in 2019, with the first delivery scheduled for 2020.
In a major production milestone called ‘final body join’, Boeing teams connected the aircraft’s nose, mid and aft sections in the company’s factory in Everett, Washington. The jet now measures 252 feet long (77 metres) from nose to tail, making it the longest passenger jet the manufacturer has ever produced.
“The 777X is a new airplane and a new production system,” said Josh Binder, Vice President and General Manager of the 777X. “With the 777X, the production system was integrated into the development programme sooner than any other airplane, and the team is doing a great job of hitting our milestones as expected.”
The 777X builds on the B777 and the B787 Dreamliner to offer airlines the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jet in the world. The airplane provides 12 percent lower fuel consumption and 10 percent lower operating costs than competing airplanes.
The 777X achieves the unprecedented performance through the introduction of the latest technologies such as the most fuel-efficient commercial engine ever, the GE9X, and a fourth-generation all-new composite wing design that provides lift and efficiency. With the extension of a set of folding, raked wingtips, the airplane’s wing spans 235 feet (72 metres).
By adding folding wingtips, the 777X’s wingspan has been increased to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency of the wing, reducing engine thrust and fuel use. Additionally, the folding wingtips allow the 777X to maintain airport compatibility with the existing B777 family, adding value for customers.
The first 777X introduced will be the 777-9 model, which can seat 400 to 425 passengers in a standard configuration and offer a range of 7,600 nautical miles (14,075km). Boeing is building on the passenger-preferred interior of today’s B777 and building on B787 interior innovations to create a passenger experience like no other. Passengers will enjoy windows that are larger and located higher on the fuselage than the current B777, along with a wider cabin, new lighting and enhanced architecture.
The first 777X test aircraft for static ground testing was completed in September 2018. Three additional flight test aircraft will be built after flight test #1. The 777X first flight is scheduled for 2019. First delivery is slated for 2020.
For information about the B777X, go to www.boeing.com/777x/reveal/. To date, Boeing has won 340 orders and commitments for the 777X from several airlines, including All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines.
