Boeing's 777X nears first flight

Geoffrey Thomas

By Geoffrey Thomas Mon May 20, 2019

Boeing has now rolled out the second 777X as it readies the aircraft for its first flight, expected late next month. Inside the factory, the 3rd  and 4th aircraft are complete and the first two production aircraft for Emirates are under construction. The first Emirates 777-9X sports the "777X logo" on the folding wingtip, while the second sports the airline’s tail logo design. See our tribute to the 747's 50th year. Boeing will not comment on the status of the flight test program and while some slippage is apparent observers tell AirlineRatings.com that it may not impact the overall delivery. AirlineRatings.com was given special access to the production line and walking around the 777-9X you are overwhelmed by the giant jet. It is massive. The larger windows are also apparent as is the huge size of the GE G9X engines. The driving force behind the 777X is Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, whose airline is the lead buyer with an order for 150. Sir Tim describes the 777X as “an absolute peach”. Key to his enthusiasm is the aircraft’s economics and greater space — it is 20 per cent more efficient per seat than the industry’s long-time benchmark the 777-300ER and its cabin is wider with bigger windows. The Boeing 777X combines the best features of the current 777 with a longer fuselage, new engine and the composite wing design from the Boeing 787. The 777-9X seats more than 400 passengers, depending on an airline’s configuration choices. With a range of more than 8,200 nautical miles (15,185 km), the aircraft will have the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial aircraft says, Boeing. The second member of the family, the 777-8X, will be the most flexible jet in the world claims Boeing. The aircraft will seat 350 passengers and offer a range capability of more than 9,300 nautical miles (17,220 km).
Boeing 777X
Sir Tim describes the 777X as “an absolute peach”.
It also features 20 per cent larger windows and lowers pressurization altitude to reduce jet lag.    

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
The Air India 171 crash one year on
Airline News

The Air India 171 crash one year on

Jun 11, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Malaysia Airlines vs Singapore Airlines Economy: Whos the better choice  from Australia and beyond?
Airline News

Malaysia Airlines vs Singapore Airlines Economy: Whos the better choice from Australia and beyond?

Jun 11, 2026

Sharon Petersen
EVA Air awarded Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating
Airline News

EVA Air awarded Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating

Jun 2, 2026

Airline Ratings
Why Westjet isn't low cost anymore
Airline News

Why Westjet isn't low cost anymore

May 29, 2026

Josh Wood

Featured articles

View more
Jetstar vs Scoot between Singapore and Australia: Who's the better choice?
Airline News

Jetstar vs Scoot between Singapore and Australia: Who's the better choice?

May 21, 2026

Nicholas Ling
The Air India 171 crash one year on
Airline News

The Air India 171 crash one year on

Jun 11, 2026

Sharon Petersen
EVA Air awarded Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating
Airline News

EVA Air awarded Seven Star PLUS Safety Rating

Jun 2, 2026

Airline Ratings
United Airlines 767 accident adds to pattern of recent incidents
Airline News

United Airlines 767 accident adds to pattern of recent incidents

May 7, 2026

Josh Wood