The Boeing 777X promises a lot for both airlines and passengers.
The largest engines to enter commercial service, the highest capacity of a twinjet ever,
and improved efficiency over the 777. The larger -9 takes over from the Boeing 747,
offering almost the same capacity, with a longer fuselage and wider wingspan.
Let’s look at the dimensions of the two aircraft and how they stack up with each other.
The Boeing 777 has been the best-selling widebody aircraft to date. Launched in 1994,
it has moved through several variants since, with the 777X continuing this story.
The new generation offers many improvements but keeps the same base design and metal
fuselage construction as the 777. The internal fuselage space is increased slightly, though,
by using thinner walls and more efficient insulation.
To see how the 777X offers an alternative to the 747, we only need to look at the passenger
capacities. There will be two passenger versions of the 777X, the larger -9 and the smaller -8.
The -9 (the first to launch) offers a capacity around 426 in a two-class configuration.
Meanwhile, the smaller -8 will seat around 384, closely competing with the A350-1000.
The 777-9 sits well alongside the 747. The newest and largest 747-8i has a typical capacity of 410
across three classes but has a rated maximum of 563. Lufthansa operates the 747-8 in a four-class
configuration with 364 seats, while Korean Air and Air China seat slightly more. We will have to wait
and see exactly what layouts airlines have for the 777-9, but it should be close to the 747-8.
In terms of dimensions, the 777-9 has a total length of 251 feet
9 inches (76.72 meters). The 747-8 is just a bit shorter at 250 feet 2 inches (76.3 meters).
This makes the 777-9 the longest commercial aircraft ever built. While the A380 retains
the title for the largest in terms of passenger capacity, volume, and weight
it’s actually a full four meters shorter than the 777-9, measuring 238 feet 7 inches (72.72 meters).
Of course, length isn’t everything. The 777X does well in other categories too,
with its wingspan undoubtedly one of the more interesting dimensions. The 747-8 has a total
wingspan of 224 feet 5 inches (68.4 meters). The A380 took this even further with its huge 261 feet
8 inches (79.75 meters) wingspan. This has given it significant limitations in operations, though.
By placing the aircraft in the highest rating category, it can only operate
at specific airports with gates that have sufficient spacing to fit the superjumbo.
The 777X will get around this category limitation with folding wingtips. When
extended, the wingspan is 235 feet 5 inches (71.75 meters). On the ground, the wingtips
fold to reduce this to 212 feet 8 inches (64.82 meters). This gives the aircraft the efficient
operation it needs in the air, but allows it access to more airports around the world.
As anyone following the 777X development and launch knows,
the engines are another standout feature. These have a larger diameter fan with fewer blades
(16 instead of 22), and use lighter carbon fiber composite materials,
while having a higher bypass ratio for better propulsion efficiency. Together with
the increased lift from the extended wings, this will deliver significant efficiency improvements.
However it compares, the 777-9 s set to be a suitable replacement for retiring
747s for many airlines. It may fall a little short of the 747s maximum capacity potential
and certainly is lower capacity than the A380, but it will serve long-range,
high capacity, operates of airlines quite well. With the jet’s eventual entry into service,
are you looking forward to getting onboard the longest twinjet ever – or do you prefer the
spaciousness of two decks? Let us know what your preferences are, by leaving a comment.