Boeing Launches 777X Program

[HD video below] Boeing has officially launched the 777X program.

Agreements for 259 airplanes from four customers across Europe and the Middle East include Lufthansa with 34 airplanes; Etihad Airways with 25; Qatar Airways with 50 and Emirates with 150 airplanes.

The combined value of the agreements is more than $95 billion at list prices.

“We are proud to partner with each of these esteemed airlines to launch the 777X – the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jetliner in the world,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “Its ground-breaking engine technologies and all-new composite wing will deliver unsurpassed value and growth potential to our customers.”

Opening new growth opportunities for airlines, the 777-9X offers seating for 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 airplane will have one of the lowest operating costs per seat of any commercial airplane.

The second member of the family, the 777-8X will seat 350 passengers and offer an incredible range capability of more than 9,300 nautical miles (17,220 km).

“The airplane will build on the market-leading 777 and will provide superior operating economics,” said Conner. “The airplane will be 12% more fuel efficient than any competing airplane, necessary in today’s competitive environment.”

The 777X introduces the latest technologies in multiple places, including the GE9X by GE Aviation and an all-new high-efficiency composite wing that has a longer span than today’s 777. The airplane’s folding, raked wingtip and optimized span are expected to deliver greater efficiency, significant fuel savings and complete airport gate compatibility.

Like the 787 Dreamliner which was launched as the 7E7, the 777X will be formally named at a later date.

Design of the 777X is underway and suppliers will be named in the coming months. Production is set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2020.

Boeing Press Conference

At the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines' 57th Assembly of Presidents in Hong Kong last Friday, Boeing held a press conference in which the new Boeing 777X was discussed. Watch the whole press conference in HD below, including the Q&A at the end.

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