“We do see a high wave of replacement demand (for worn, older 777s) early in the next decade, but that means those sales campaigns are underway now,” Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg said Wednesday.
Boeing’s 777-9X has folding wings and is expected to be the world’s largest twin-engine jet when it begins service in 2020.(I can’t wait!)
It’s been a while since Boeing introduced a new aircraft design rather than size variations on existing models. But that will change soon as the manufacturer is on track to start test flights this spring of its newer, wider 777X aircraft.
The 777X is the next generation of Boeing’s 777 aircraft, which comes in two models—the 777-200 and larger 777-300. The 777X will arrive with a whole range of new design features, tech innovations and passenger comforts.
The 777X will also come in two models – the 777-8 and the larger 777-9. The -9 will be introduced first, and that’s the one set to start test flights in a matter of weeks. It could go into passenger service by 2020. Boeing already has 273 orders for the plane from airlines including Lufthansa (which will launch the new plane), Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Emirates, Qatar and Etihad.
According to Boeing, the 777-9 will be slightly larger than the current 777-300ER – 7 feet longer and able to carry 18 more passengers, making it the largest twin-engine jet in the company’s lineup. The 777-8 will be almost 16 feet shorter than the 777-300ER and will accommodate fewer passengers but will have greater range. Boeing said that the 777X’s design innovations and big new GE engines (the largest ever on a Boeing aircraft) will make the 777X 12 percent more fuel-efficient than its newest long-haul rival from Airbus, the A350-1000- which is music to the ears of airlines worried about future fuel price hikes. (See our slideshow at the top of the post for a look at this new jet compared to others.)
Muilenburg revealed the sales shift — planned and part of 777X program — during a call with analysts after Boeing released record fourth-quarter and full 2018 financial results.
Boeing so far has 326 orders for the 777X, which is so big it will have folding wingtips. Its last order came in June 2017.
Muilenberg said Boeing’s two-pronged sales efforts to win 777X orders comes as the company also attempts to secure more orders for the classic 777 model, a strategy aimed at “building a bridge” between the old and new manufacturing programs.
The 51 777 classic orders Boeing won in 2018 strengthened the bridge between older and new models, he said. Both jets are made at Boeing Everett.
“We still have have some work to do to fill out that bridge,” Muilenberg said. “Our confidence continues to grow in our ability to do that.” Meet 777X BBJ luxury business jet
Boeing asked three VIP jet interior design companies to produce concepts for a new 777X Business Jet. Here’s what they imagined.