A year later than projected, Boeing’s 777X twin-engine wide-body jetliner has finally taken to the skies after two further days of delays owing to bad weather conditions. This is the first new jet the American planemaker has produced since the ill-fated 737 MAX and took to the skies and all eyes will now be on the FAA and the certification process for the 777X after accusations of an all-too-cozy relationship between Boeing and the FAA.
Having taken off from its assembly line north of Seattle approximately four hours earlier, the jet touched down at Boeing Field at 2 p.m. local time, ironically drawing to a standstill alongside scores of undelivered 737 MAXs which were standing idly by as a less-than-subtle reminder of the current problems Boeing is facing.
The 777X is the larger of two 777 variants being produced and will officially be called the 777-9. It will compete against the Airbus A350-1000, 360-passenger wide-body jet, and will be the largest jet in operation when it enters into service next year with an extended wingspan of 251’ 9” (76.7m) and a length of 229’ (68.9m). To enable it to be parked in bays for narrow predecessors and to also increase fuel efficiency, the carbon-fiber wings of the 777X have a foldable tip, allowing the wingspan to be reduce by approximately 23’ to 212’ 8” (64.8m). The jet is powered by two of General Electric’s larges jet engines, the GE9X high-bypass turbofan that is so big that for testing, it had to be mounted on a 747-400 Jumbo. The engine has been described as being “wide enough to swallow a 737 MAX fuselage.”
Sales of the 777X have so far disappointed with only 300 orders so far received and what some see as an uncomfortable reliance on Middle East carriers who have ordered the most aircraft. Emirates originally placed an order for 150 of the variant, but have since reduced that number to 115, while Qatar Airways have an order for 60 units in place. Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airlines and Singapore Airlines have all ordered 20 777X aircraft, while British Airways has recently placed an order for 42 of the jets.
