Boeing 777X

Boeing 777X
Computer rendering of the upcoming Boeing 777-8 and -9
Role Wide-body jet airliner
National origin United States
Manufacturer Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Introduction 2020 (planned)
Status Under development
Unit cost
777-8: US$371 million[1]
777-9: US$400 million[1]
Developed from Boeing 777

The Boeing 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family under development. The 777X will have two variants; the 777-8 and the 777-9. The 777X will feature new engines, new composite wings, and technologies from the Boeing 787.[2] It is intended to compete with the Airbus A350.

Development

777X proposal

In September 2011, Boeing released more details on proposed new 777 versions, tentatively designated 777-8X and 777-9X, and collectively referred to as 777X.[3] The 777-9X would feature extended horizontal stabilizers compared to the -300ER and a fuselage stretch of 7.0 ft (2.13 m) to a total length of 250 ft 11 in (76.5 m) to accommodate 407 passengers.[4][5] The 777-9X's planned length exceeds the 250 ft 2 in (76.3 m) length of the Boeing 747-8, currently the world's longest airliner. Wingspan was expected to increase from the current 212 ft 7 in (64.8 m) to 234 ft (71.3 m), and incorporate the use of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer in its construction.[3][6][7][8] In addition, gross weight was tentatively slated to decrease slightly from the current 775,000 lb (352,000 kg) to approximately 759,000 lb (344,000 kg) for the −9X model.[4] Boeing was also studying an ultra long-range replacement for the 777-200LR, conceptually dubbed the 777-8LX, which would share the –9X's fuel capacity and gross weight. Its range will be 9,480 nmi (10,910 mi; 17,560 km) compared to 9,395 nmi (10,812 mi; 17,400 km) for the −200LR.[4] The 777-8LX's fuselage length would match that of the proposed −8X at 228.17 ft (69.5 m).[3] Preliminary estimates placed entry into service for the first 777X variants at around 2019.[9][10]

In February 2012, General Electric disclosed studies on a slightly smaller engine, dubbed the General Electric GE9X, to power the 777X. It was to feature the same fan diameter from the GE90-115B (128 in or 325 cm) and a thrust decrease to new ratings of 99,500 lbf (443 kN) per engine for the –9X and –8XL, and 88,000 lbf (390 kN) for the –8X.[11][12][13] Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney also proposed powerplants for the 777X, including the RB3025 concept, based off the Trent 1000 and Trent XWB engines, and an adaptation of PW1000G engine architecture to produce up to 100,000 lbf (440 kN) of thrust.[3] However, in March 2013, the GE9X was selected as the exclusive engine to power the 777X.[14] GE subsequently updated the GE9X specifications to reflect growing concerns that the 777X would be underpowered. Design changes included an increase of thrust to 102,000 lbf (450 kN), and then up to 105,000 lbf (470 kN)[15] with a new fan diameter of 132 in (335 cm), giving the new engine the largest fan GE has ever produced.[16][17][18] In August 2012, a report in the Seattle Times stated that Boeing had slowed 777X development, but still planned for it to begin service by about 2019.[19]

The decision to offer the aircraft with only one engine type is somewhat controversial. Some airlines bemoan the loss of competition among engine makers; Steven Udvar-Hazy, CEO of Air Lease Corp., said that he wants a choice of engines. Airbus has pointed out that equipping a commercial aircraft to handle more than one type of engine adds millions of dollars to the purchase price. A Pratt & Whitney executive told the Wall Street Journal, "Engines are no longer commodities...the optimization of the engine and the aircraft becomes more relevant."[20]

777X program

In May 2013, Boeing's board of directors gave formal permission for its Commercial Airplanes division to start offering the 777X to customers.[21] On September 18, 2013, Lufthansa's supervisory board gave approval to order 34 Boeing 777-9X aircraft to replace its 747-400s. At the time, Boeing was reportedly planning to launch the 777X series later in 2013.[22][23][24] In October 2013, Boeing announced that its U.S. facilities in Charleston, Huntsville, Long Beach, Philadelphia, and St. Louis as well as Russian facilities in Moscow would support the 777X design effort.[25]

View of airport tarmac with terminal building and multiple airliners parked adjacent to it.
A row of Emirates 777s at Dubai International Airport. The carrier is one of the launch customers of the 777X.

Boeing officially launched the 777X at the 2013 Dubai Airshow in November 2013, announcing a total of 259 orders and commitments worth more than US$95 billion.[26][27] According to Boeing, this was the largest product launch by dollar value in the history of commercial aviation.[28] In addition to the 34 aircraft commitment from Lufthansa in September 2013, Boeing received orders and commitments at the Dubai Airshow for 150 aircraft from Emirates, 25 aircraft from Etihad Airways, and 50 aircraft from Qatar Airways.[26][29][30]

The 777X program includes two models: the 777-9X, which is stretched beyond the length of the 777-300ER, and the 777-8X, which is sized close to the 777-300ER but with ultra-long range capability.[29] Because deliveries of the 777X are not expected to begin until 2020, Boeing faces the challenge of maintaining an efficient production line for its existing 777 models. With 380 777s on order as of the end of 2013, and no orders booked at the most recent air show, in Singapore in February 2014, Boeing was trying to support a production rate of 100 aircraft per year on that line. To stimulate additional orders and bridge the gap until 777X models roll off the assembly line, Boeing vice president of sales John Wojick proposed pairing 777X sales with sales of current generation models, and providing opportunities for passenger airlines to sell their used 777 aircraft for conversion to freighter aircraft. The airlines could then purchase new 777 passenger aircraft.[31]

In December 2013, Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific ordered 21 777-9X airliners with deliveries in 2021-2024.[32] By April 2014, with cumulative sales surpassing those of the 747, the Boeing 777 became the best-selling wide-body airliner; at existing production rates, the aircraft was on track to become the most-delivered wide-body aircraft by mid-2016.[33] Emirates finalized its order for 150 777X aircraft, consisting of 115 777-9Xs and 35 777-8Xs in July 2014.[34] On July 16, 2014, Qatar Airways finalized its order for 50 777-9X airplanes, with purchase rights for 50 more 777-9Xs. On July 31, 2014, Japan's All Nippon Airways finalized an order for 20 Boeing 777-9Xs.[35]

In December 2014, Boeing began construction on a new 367,000-square-foot (34,100 m2) composites facility in St. Louis to build 777X parts; completion is set for 2016. The expansion will create about 700 new jobs. The facility will feature six autoclaves with work on 777X wing and empennage parts to start in 2017.[36][37]

In May 2015 Boeing announced it would convert the current 787 'surge' line at Everett by the end of 2015 into an early production line for the 777X[38] with the first 777X expected to roll off that line in 2018.[39]

During the 2015 Dubai Airshow, Boeing officially dropped the 'X' suffix from the names of the individual variants, referring to the variants as Boeing 777-8 and 777-9. The new series is still marketed as the Boeing 777X.[40]

Design

Design plans call for the 777X to feature cabin design details that were originally introduced on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These include larger windows than prior commercial aircraft, increased cabin pressure equivalent to 6,000 feet (1,800 m) altitude, higher ceilings, and more humidity.[41] Structural changes are required versus the original 777 fuselage design in order to incorporate these design improvements as well as greater cabin width.[41] Folding wingtips to fit the current 777 size category are planned for the 777X.[42]

Variants

777-8

The 777-8's length is between the 777-200ER and 777-300ER with seating for about 350 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a range of 9,300 nmi (17,200 km) or more. It is to take the place of the -200LR and be a direct competitor to the Airbus A350-1000.[15][29][43] The internal cabin width is increased to 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m) from the 19 ft 3 in (5.87 m) width of previous 777 models, through the use of thinner interior cabin walls and better insulation. This will allow 10-abreast economy seating with 18.0 in (46 cm) wide seats.[15][44]

777-9

The 777-9 is a further stretched variant with seating for 400-425 passengers in a two-class configuration, and a range of 7,600 nmi (14,100 km).[45] In terms of capacity and fuselage length, it will be the largest twin-engine airliner ever built at the time of its entry into service. The 777-9 is to begin production in 2017 and enter service in 2020.[29] The 777-9 shares the more spacious cabin interior width of 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m) with the -8 for 10-abreast economy seating with seats up to 18.0 in (46 cm) wide.[15][44]

Orders

Boeing 777X Firm Orders
Date of
Firm order		 Country Customer Orders
-8 -9 Combined
Nov 17, 2013 Germany Lufthansa 0 20 20[46]
Nov 17, 2013 United Arab Emirates Etihad Airways[n 1] 8 17 25[46][47]
Dec 20, 2013 Hong Kong Cathay Pacific 0 21 21[46][48]
Jul 9, 2014 United Arab Emirates Emirates 35 115 150[46][49]
Jul 16, 2014 Qatar Qatar Airways 10 50 60[46][50]
Jul 31, 2014 Japan All Nippon Airways 0 20 20[46]
Jun 4, 2015 Unidentified Customer(s) 0 10 10[46]
Totals 53 253 306[46]
Notes
  1. ↑ Launch customer of 777-8 variant.

Specifications

Specifications by model
Model 777-8[29][43][51][52] 777-9[29][43][51][52]
Cockpit crew Two
Seating capacity,
typical		 350 (3-class)
350-375 (2-class)[53]		 406 (3-class)[54]
400-425 (2-class)[53]
Length 228 ft 2 in (69.5 m) 251 ft 9 in (76.7 m)[55]
Wingspan Unfolded: 235 ft 6 in (71.8 m)[56]
Folded: 212 ft 8 in (64.8 m)
Wing sweepback TBA
Tail height 64 ft 6 in (19.7 m)[57]
Cabin width 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m)[15]
Seat width 18 in (45.7 cm) in 10 abreast economy[44]
Fuselage width 20 ft 4 in (6.20 m)
Maximum cargo capacity 40× LD3 48× LD3
Maximum empty weight TBA 362,000 lb
(164,202 kg)
Operating empty weight TBA 415,000 lb
(188,241 kg)
Maximum Zero Fuel Weight TBA 527,000 lb
(239,043 kg)
Maximum landing weight TBA 557,000 lb
(252,651 kg)
Maximum takeoff weight 775,000 lb
(351,500 kg)[15]
Cruise speed, typical TBA
Maximum speed TBA
Maximum range
 8,700 nmi
(16,112 km, 10,012 mi)[53] 		7,600 nmi
(14,075 km, 8,746 mi)[53]
Takeoff distance at MTOW
(sea level, ISA)		 TBA
Maximum fuel capacity TBA
Service ceiling 43,100 ft (13,140 m)
Engine (×2) General Electric GE9X
Thrust (×2) 105,000 lbf (470 kN)[15]

Notes: Data for the 777X are preliminary.

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Related lists

References

  1. 1 2 "Boeing Commercial Airplanes Prices". Boeing. The Boeing Company. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Boeing 777X fact sheet". Boeing, June 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "A special look at the future prospects of the Boeing 777". Flight International. March 2012. Retrieved March 10, 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 Ostrower, John (March 7, 2012). "Boeing homes in on late-2012 launch for 777 successor". Flight International. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  5. ↑ Ostrower, Jon (February 13, 2012). "Boeing studies ultra long-range 777-8LX concept". Air Transport Intelligence via Flightglobal.com. Retrieved February 13, 2012.
  6. ↑ "Boeing 777 – Technical Information". Boeing. Retrieved October 9, 2011.
  7. ↑ Boeing celebrates groundbreaking for 777X Composite Wing Center
  8. ↑ "Boeing, Toray Industries reach agreement on composites for 777X wings"
  9. ↑ Tsang, Daniel (September 14, 2011). "New Boeing 777X likely to be a highly efficient derivative". Aspire Aviation. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  10. ↑ Tsang, Daniel (February 9, 2012). "Boeing develops 777X to challenge Airbus A350". Aspire Aviation. Retrieved August 25, 2012.
  11. ↑ Ostrower, John (March 7, 2012). "GE plans 10% fuel burn improvement for GE9X engine". Flight International. Retrieved March 20, 2012.
  12. ↑ Ostrower, Jon (September 14, 2011). "Next generation 777 comes into focus". Flight International. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  13. ↑ Ostrower, Jon (September 14, 2011). "Boeing's 777-9X comes into focus with a massive CFRP wing". Flightblogger. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Boeing selects GE as sole engine partner on next 777 plane". Reuters. March 15, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Boeing's widebody dominance hinges on 777X success". Aspire Aviation. October 24, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  16. ↑ "GE9X - GE Aviation". General Electric. 2013. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  17. ↑ The New GE9X Engine. General Electric. June 17, 2013. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  18. ↑ Alcock, Charles (June 16, 2013). "GE Pushes Envelope With GE9X for New Boeing 777". Aviation International News. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  19. ↑ Gates, Dominic. "Boeing slows the pace on 777X" Seattle Times, August 22, 2012. Retrieved: August 25, 2012.
  20. ↑ Wall, Robert, Jon Ostrower and Rory Jones. "Aircraft makers curb engine choices", Wall Street Journal, July 16, 2014, p. B3.
  21. ↑ Norris, Guy (May 1, 2013). "Boeing Board Gives Approval To Offer 777X". Aviation Week & Space Technology. Retrieved July 1, 2013.
  22. ↑ Gubisch, Michael (September 19, 2013). "Split Lufthansa widebody order includes firm 777X". Flight Global. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  23. ↑ "Boeing Statement on Lufthansa Selection of Boeing 777X for Future Long-Haul Fleet". Boeing, September 19, 2013.
  24. ↑ Gubisch, Michael (October 2013). "Lufthansa widebody order". Flight Global. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  25. ↑ "Boeing spreads 777X design work to Charleston, Moscow, defence sites". Flight Global. October 30, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  26. 1 2 Wilhelm, Steve (November 13, 2013). "Boeing Launches 777X with Orders for 259 Jets Worth $95B". Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle, Washington: American City Business Journals). Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved November 13, 2013. The 777X launch customers [...] providing a total launch order [or commitments] of 259 aircraft worth more than $95 billion.
  27. ↑ "Boeing Launches 777X with Record-Breaking Orders and Commitments" (Press release). Boeing. November 17, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  28. ↑ "Dubai Air Show: Boeing Leads Order Books Race". BBC News (BBC). November 17, 2013. Business. Retrieved November 17, 2013. Boeing said its 777 mini-jumbo sales represented 'the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by dollar value'.
  29. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Norris, Guy (November 17, 2013). "Boeing Launches 777X in Dubai Order Boom". Aviation Week (Penton). Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  30. ↑ "Modern, Quiet and Environmentally Efficient: Lufthansa Group Orders 59 Ultra-Modern Wide-Body Boeing 777-9X and Airbus A350-900 Aircraft". Lufthansa Group (Press release). Deutsche Lufthansa AG. September 19, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2013. ... 34 Boeing 777-9Xs and 25 Airbus A350-900s will be added to the Lufthansa Group's wide-body fleet.
  31. ↑ Ostrower, Jon. "Boeing plans new tactics to sell 777". Wall Street Journal, February 13, 2014.
  32. ↑ "Cathay Pacific orders 21 Boeing 777X planes". Channel News Asia. Retrieved 27 December 2013.
  33. ↑ Trimble, Stephen (April 15, 2014). "How the 777 pushed Boeing forward". Flight International. Retrieved April 20, 2014.
  34. ↑ Kaminski-Morrow, David (July 9, 2014). "Emirates finalises order for 150 777X jets". Flight Global. Retrieved January 6, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Boeing All Nippon Airways Finalize Order for 40 Widebody Airplanes". Boeing. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Boeing breaks ground for new manufacturing plant in St. Louis". The Manufacturer. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  37. ↑ "In St. Louis, Boeing Breaks Ground for 777X Composites Plant - News content from American Machinist". Americanmachinist.com. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  38. ↑ Gates, Dominic. "Boeing will close 787 surge line to make way for producing 777X". Seattle Times. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  39. ↑ Flynn, David. "First Boeing 777X tipped for 2018". Australian Business Traveller. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  40. ↑ "DUBAI: Boeing drops 'X' from stretched 777 designation". Flightglobal. November 8, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  41. 1 2 Shankland, Stephen (July 15, 2014). "Boeing's 777X plans: Big windows, lots of air, and robot manufacturing - CNET". cnet.com. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
  42. ↑ Liebherr division to build 777X folding wing-tip systems
  43. 1 2 3 "Boeing To Make Up Lost Grounds On All Fronts". Aspire Aviation. May 27, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  44. 1 2 3 Garcia, Marisa. "Boeing's New 777X Designs Intensify the Race for Space on Airlines". Skift.com. Retrieved December 2, 2014.
  45. ↑ "Boeing 777X Technical Specs". boeing.com. Boeing. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  46. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "777 Model Orders and Deliveries summary". Boeing. October 31, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
  47. ↑ "Boeing Etihad Airways ...". Boeing. n.d. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  48. ↑ "Boeing and Cathay Pacific Airways ...". Boeing. n.d. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  49. ↑ "Boeing Emirates Finalize ...". Boeing. n.d. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  50. ↑ "Boeing Qatar Airways Finalize ...". Boeing. n.d. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  51. 1 2 "Boeing 777X To Spark Mini-Jumbo War". Aspire Aviation. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  52. 1 2 "Airbus, Boeing in game of thrones for widebody dominance". Aspire Aviation. 2014-07-11. Retrieved October 16, 2014.
  53. 1 2 3 4 "Boeing revises "obsolete" performance assumptions". flightglobal.com. August 3, 2015. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  54. ↑ "Boeing executive sees strong demand for 737 MAX, confident on 777". Reuters. 2015-01-21. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
  55. ↑ "Boeing reveals 777-9X dimensions in airport brief". flightglobal.com. Reed Business Information Limited. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  56. ↑ Norris, Guy (2014-06-09). "777X Configuration Changes Revealed". Aviation Week. Retrieved December 2, 2014.
  57. ↑ "777X Airport Compatibility" (PDF). ?. July 2013. Retrieved November 18, 2013.

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