Boeing has begun production of its new 777‑8 Freighter, with work starting at the company's Composite Spar Shop in Everett, Washington. Around 100 employees marked the occasion by cheering as operator Casey McDowell drilled the first hole into a wing spar, a traditional Boeing step symbolising the start of major assembly.
The initial production work includes fabricating the wing spars, which measure 108 feet (33 metres) each and form the backbone of the aircraft's wings. Each wing has two spars – front and rear – that together require 392 miles of carbon fibre tape to produce and have a combined weight of around 2,500 pounds. The spars, along with skin panels and stringers manufactured at Boeing's nearby Composite Wing Center, will be transferred to the main assembly facility, where they will be built into the first 777‑8 Freighter wings.
Launched in 2022, the 777‑8 Freighter has already secured 59 orders from airlines and cargo operators worldwide, reflecting strong demand for more fuel‑efficient, high‑capacity cargo aircraft. Boeing has targeted 2028 for the delivery of the first aircraft.
The 777‑8 Freighter is part of the 777X family, which also includes the 777‑9 and 777‑8 passenger variants. Boeing positions the 777X family as the latest evolution of its successful wide-body line, offering advanced composite wings and modern aerodynamics to meet long‑haul and high‑cargo capacity needs.
This milestone marks an important step in expanding Boeing's freighter portfolio to meet future global cargo demand while building on its established 777 platform.
