The latest widebody from Boeing, the 777X, is due to enter service in 2022.
With the most powerful engines to date, the largest capacity of any twin-engine jet,
and efficient long-range operation, airlines have a lot to look forward to.
But 25 years after its launch, the highly successful 777 it is due for a replacement,
and it’s no surprise that Boeing is updating it rather than introducing a new model.
The Boeing 777X has made test flights in 2020, and it is due to enter service in 2022.
At this time there are two versions of the 777X: the 777-9, and the smaller
777-8. The -9 stretches the fuselage of the 777-300ER to over 76 meters in length,
offering a passenger capacity of up to 426 (in a two-class configuration,
according to Boeing data). But it is far more than just an updated 777 aircraft.
The 777X uses new GE9X engines- the largest and most powerful commercial engines ever built.
Bigger than a 737 fuselage, these will deliver 105,000 pound-force of thrust.
Despite the increased size, these engines are lighter than the GE90 engines on the 777
(mainly due to fewer fan blades and use of carbon fiber composite materials).
Overall, the 777X is around 20% more efficient than the 777-300ER and about 10% more efficient
-both in fuel use and operating cost- than its Airbus competitor, the A350-1000.
A signature addition to the jet is its folding wingtips. The 777X has
a huge wingspan of 71.75 meters, which helps its efficiency but can limit its access at airports.
The solution is to make the wingtips fold up when on the ground,
reducing the wingspan to just under 65 meters- the same as the 777.
Its range, too, will place it well against the competing Airbus A350, and the now retiring Boeing
747. For the 777-9, this is 13,500 kilometers, and for the later -8, it will be 16,170 kilometers.
Although there are no official plans for a freighter version of the 777X,
it may be developed. This would be an excellent boost for the aircraft
and likely popular with many airlines. Boeing very much dominates the freighter
market with its 747 and 777. Aging, and missing out on the technology and efficiency upgrades,
there is strong potential for an update. In fact, Boeing claims that an additional 1,040 widebody
freighters will be needed in the coming 20 years. Boeing has discussed in the past the possibility
of basing a freighter version on the 777-8 airframe, for which Qatar Airways has expressed
interest in becoming the launch customer. With efficiency claims amongst the top of
all widebody aircraft, and range and capacity, making it an alternative option for all but the
highest capacity A380, the 777X could be set for great things. For Boeing operators, it makes a
potential replacement for 777 and 747 fleets. And, if its efficiency lives up to its claims,
it will compete well against the A350. Up to April 2020, 309 777X aircraft had
been ordered. This is a solid start for an aircraft that is yet to enter service,
and it could be boosted further if a freighter version is developed. In comparison, the latest
Boeing 747 model, the 747-8, only racked up 47 passenger and 107 freighter orders.
The rival Airbus A350, is, however, ahead in orders, but has also been available longer.
We’ll just have to wait and see if the 777X can catch up!
What do you think of the Boeing 777X? Do you think it will offer great things
to airlines and passengers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.