Boeing 777X On Track For 2020 Launch

Despite delays to the first flight of the Boeing 777X, the aircraft is still on track for a 2020 launch. Boeing will initially offer two variants of the 777X.

The Boeing 777X is the American manufacturer’s latest new product for its widebody fleet. The aircraft builds on the successful model of the Boeing 777 while adding some innovative features such as folding wing tips. With Lufthansa being the launch customer for the aircraft, it is reassuring to hear that the program is not looking delayed at present. While the first test aircraft rolled out of the Boeing factory in March, Lufthansa’s first 777X is currently in final assembly.

With the aircraft expecting to ship next year, we know a fair bit about what to expect from the Boeing 777X. The manufacturer is currently targetting selling two models, the 777-8 and the 777-9. A total of 344 777Xs have been ordered, with the largest customer, Emirates, ordering 150.

While the 777-8 will carry 384 passengers over a distance of 8,690 nautical miles, the larger 777-9 will carry 426 passengers over 7,285 nautical miles. The list prices of the two aircraft are $410.2 million and $442.2 million respectively.

The 777X builds on the 777’s design with features from the 787.
The aircraft is packed with new technology. While the GE9X provides the huge thrust needed to power the aircraft, the folding wingtips save wingspan at airports. Indeed, the aircraft’s wingspan drops by almost seven meters when they are folded. Meanwhile, inside passengers will notice comfort upgrades, such as windows taken from the 787. Hopefully, nobody will melt them.

Lufthansa is set to receive the third 777X Built.While Boeing had intended to showcase the 777X at the Paris Air Show, this was unfortunately scuppered by the GE9X issues that arose. By all accounts, however, it sounds as though the program is on track from Boeing’s point of view.