The 777X, the latest version of Boeing’s popular 777 family, has received more than 500 orders even though it has yet to enter commercial service.
Here are some key facts about the new aircraft.
Largest in its category
The twin-aisle aircraft, first announced in 2013, has a wingspan of 72 metres and a maximum length of 77 metres, making it the world’s largest twin-engine commercial aircraft.
Earlier generations of aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747, which are no longer manufactured, had four engines.
Boeing had received 540 orders for the 777X as of the end of June. The plane will be assembled at the company’s Seattle-area factory in Everett, Washington state.
Different versions
There are three versions of the Jet.
The 777-8 is a direct competitor to the Airbus A350-1000. It can seat 350 to 370 people and can fly up to 16,110 kilometers (about 10,000 miles). It has 78 orders.
The 777-9 can carry 400 to 425 passengers and fly up to 14,075 kilometers (about 8,750 miles). It has received 407 orders.
The 777-8 Cargo is capable of carrying up to 118 tons of cargo. The jet had received 55 orders as of the end of June. In July, Emirates announced plans to buy an additional five jets.
Delay in certification
Boeing originally planned to put the jet into service in January 2020, but certification delays have pushed the deadline to 2025.
The jet will still have to be certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.
In April 2022, Boeing announced it was delaying construction until late 2023 due to these delays.
Observers believe the company has built 20 aircraft, with an additional four being used during flight testing.
Cost
Boeing estimates that the new jet will reduce per-seat jet fuel consumption and operating costs by up to 10 percent compared to rival aircraft.
The 777-8 had a list price of $410.2 million in May 2023, while the 777-9 had a list price of $442.2 million.
The aircraft contains nearly three million parts and about 215 kilometres of cables.
The engine is the GE9X manufactured by General Electric, the largest engine ever built, with a diameter of 3.4 metres (11.1 ft).
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