Boeing’s 777X is a huge plane capable of changing the direction of air travel. The aircraft that was displayed at the Wings 2024 held in Hyderabad the other day caught a lot of attention. The great feature of this aircraft is that it can carry more passengers over the maximum distance at a low cost. The 777X has the most powerful engine of any commercial airliner ever built and the largest passenger capacity of any twin-engine airliner. The construction and delivery of the 777X has been delayed for five years due to Covid and other crises. However, as announced by Boeing, if the 777X aircraft are in possession of the airlines in 2025, it will pave the way for major changes in the aviation sector.
The successor to the B777 that took over the skies
The Boeing 777 is the best-selling model among large aircraft. In 2013, Boeing introduced the 777X as the successor to the 777, which has conquered the skies since 1995. The company had introduced two models of Boeing 777X namely 777-9 and 777-8. Out of this 777-8 can carry 384 passengers. This Boeing aircraft can also fly 8,745 nautical miles (up to 16,196 km) non-stop. The length is 71 meters. The larger model is the 777-9. It can carry 426 passengers. The 76 meter long aircraft has a range of 7,285 nautical miles (13,492 km). The cost of this aircraft is about US$ 453 million, Indian Rupees 3766 Crores!
The most powerful aircraft engine
The 777X uses the General Electric GE9X engine. This engine is characterized by high efficiency and power. It is the most powerful engine ever built in passenger aircraft. The feature of this engine is that it is larger in size than the GE90 engine used in the Boeing 777, but lighter in weight. The weight of the GE9X is reduced due to the carbon fiber construction and reduced number of fan blades. The 777X engine is 20 percent more efficient than the 777-300ER engine. The engine is ten percent more efficient in operating costs and fuel consumption than the Airbus A350-1000. ,
Folding wings
Another feature of the Boeing 777X is that the wing tip can be folded. This makes the 777X easier to maneuver when landing. The 777X’s 71.8m wingspan is reduced to 64.8m when the wings are folded. This makes handling the 777X easier at airports. This technology was previously planned for the Boeing 777. After landing, the Boeing 777X’s wings automatically retract when the airspeed drops below 50 knots. This technology will help the Boeing 777 land at more airports.
The 777X is manufactured at Boeing’s Everett factory. Wings will be manufactured in a new manufacturing facility adjacent to this factory. According to figures up to November 2023, Boeing has received contracts for 453 aircraft. The 777-9, which made its first test flight on January 25, 2020, is still undergoing testing. Boeing has announced that delivery of these planes will begin in early 2025.
351 orders so far
As of August 2023, nine airlines have signed contracts to purchase Boeing 777X aircraft. So far, Boeing has received orders for 363 aircraft, including cargo planes. Of these, 115 aircraft were purchased by Emirates. Emirates is buying Boeing 777X aircraft to replace its current fleet. But with the delay of Boeing 777X planes, the plans including Emirates are delayed. Boeing is also making efforts to hand over the first 777X aircraft to Emirates in 2024. Apart from Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa and British Airways have signed agreements with Boeing for 777X aircraft. Air India has placed an order for 10 777X aircraft.
Summary:
Auto News, Boeing 777X, Longest Aircraft In World