The 777 has been a great success for Boeing and  is the company’s best-selling widebody to date.  
The 777 has been a great success for Boeing and  is the company’s best-selling widebody to date.  

It was launched in 1994 and is now entering  its third generation with the new 777X.  
It was launched in 1994 and is now entering  its third generation with the new 777X.  

Developed as a clean-sheet design in the 90s, it  was designed to capitalize on the improvements  
Developed as a clean-sheet design in the 90s, it  was designed to capitalize on the improvements  

in twin-engine performance. This idea is taken  further as the 777X becomes the largest twin jet  
in twin-engine performance. This idea is taken  further as the 777X becomes the largest twin jet  

aircraft ever to fly. Let’s take an in-depth look  at the story of the Boeing 777 in today’s video!
aircraft ever to fly. Let’s take an in-depth look  at the story of the Boeing 777 in today’s video!

The Boeing 777 came about as a new aircraft to  fill the gap between the 767 and the 747. By  
The Boeing 777 came about as a new aircraft to  fill the gap between the 767 and the 747. By  

the 1980s, Boeing had developed a solid lineup of  aircraft. The Boeing 737 had become the dominant  
the 1980s, Boeing had developed a solid lineup of  aircraft. The Boeing 737 had become the dominant  

short-haul aircraft, and it offered a variety of  longer-range aircraft - the 757, 767, and the 747.
short-haul aircraft, and it offered a variety of  longer-range aircraft - the 757, 767, and the 747.

The 747 was the top choice for long-haul routes,  
The 747 was the top choice for long-haul routes,  

with twin-engine aircraft previously limited in  operation. This changed with the introduction of  
with twin-engine aircraft previously limited in  operation. This changed with the introduction of  

ETOPS rules, with twinjets able to  operate further from a diversion airport.  
ETOPS rules, with twinjets able to  operate further from a diversion airport.  

Restrictions were changed in 1985, and the first  ETOPS 120 flight was with a TWA Boeing 767 from  
Restrictions were changed in 1985, and the first  ETOPS 120 flight was with a TWA Boeing 767 from  

Boston to Paris. This allowed for routes  up to 120 minutes from a diversion airport.
Boston to Paris. This allowed for routes  up to 120 minutes from a diversion airport.

The change in regulations opened up transatlantic  routes to the 767 (and even the 757). Just as  
The change in regulations opened up transatlantic  routes to the 767 (and even the 757). Just as  

the 747 had changed airline economics  with its high capacity offering, this  
the 747 had changed airline economics  with its high capacity offering, this  

changed things again with more efficient, lower  operating cost, aircraft serving longer routes.
changed things again with more efficient, lower  operating cost, aircraft serving longer routes.

The 767 worked well for lower capacity routes (and  allowed new routes to be launched). But there was  
The 767 worked well for lower capacity routes (and  allowed new routes to be launched). But there was  

a gap in the market now for a twin-engine aircraft  with higher capacity. Airbus took advantage of  
a gap in the market now for a twin-engine aircraft  with higher capacity. Airbus took advantage of  

this with its joint A330 and A340 project. The  A330 was the largest twin-engine yet when it was  
this with its joint A330 and A340 project. The  A330 was the largest twin-engine yet when it was  

completed in 1992. It was not long, though,  before the 777 was launched and took over.
completed in 1992. It was not long, though,  before the 777 was launched and took over.

Boeing originally proposed upgrading the  767 to serve this market. The 767X would  
Boeing originally proposed upgrading the  767 to serve this market. The 767X would  

offer a stretched fuselage and larger  wings. But airlines rejected this,  
offer a stretched fuselage and larger  wings. But airlines rejected this,  

wanting a wider fuselage and improved operating  costs, leading to a new, clean-sheet design.
wanting a wider fuselage and improved operating  costs, leading to a new, clean-sheet design.

Boeing launched the 777 project in 1989,  
Boeing launched the 777 project in 1989,  

with the first aircraft flying in  1994 and entering service in 1995.
with the first aircraft flying in  1994 and entering service in 1995.

The 777 was developed in close collaboration  with eight airlines - All Nippon Airways,  
The 777 was developed in close collaboration  with eight airlines - All Nippon Airways,  

American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay  Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines,  
American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay  Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines,  

United Airlines, and Qantas. All except  Qantas went on to order the aircraft.
United Airlines, and Qantas. All except  Qantas went on to order the aircraft.

This collaboration established the capacity  and other specifications to be used and ideal  
This collaboration established the capacity  and other specifications to be used and ideal  

variations. US airlines, for example, preferred  a shorter fuselage aircraft, while others,  
variations. US airlines, for example, preferred  a shorter fuselage aircraft, while others,  

including ANA, wanted longer. And British Airways  among others, wanted a longer-range version.  
including ANA, wanted longer. And British Airways  among others, wanted a longer-range version.  

These preferences were all  reflected in the initial 777 design.
These preferences were all  reflected in the initial 777 design.

The 777 was Boeing's first aircraft to rely  heavily on computer design during development.  
The 777 was Boeing's first aircraft to rely  heavily on computer design during development.  

While there were some initial mockups, Boeing  later claimed that it was the first aircraft  
While there were some initial mockups, Boeing  later claimed that it was the first aircraft  

that quote “didn’t need its kinks worked  out on an expensive physical mockup plane.”
that quote “didn’t need its kinks worked  out on an expensive physical mockup plane.”

Construction took place at Boeing's Everett  facility. There was a significant expansion  
Construction took place at Boeing's Everett  facility. There was a significant expansion  

to add two new production lines. All  widebodies before the 787 were built there.
to add two new production lines. All  widebodies before the 787 were built there.

It was notable, though, for subcontracting  large amounts of work to other companies,  
It was notable, though, for subcontracting  large amounts of work to other companies,  

including to international suppliers. This  concept was taken much further later-on with  
including to international suppliers. This  concept was taken much further later-on with  

Boeing's next clean-sheet design, the 787.  Parts manufactured were smaller and easier  
Boeing's next clean-sheet design, the 787.  Parts manufactured were smaller and easier  

to transport than they would be for the 787  (where entire composite fuselage sections,  
to transport than they would be for the 787  (where entire composite fuselage sections,  

and the wing, are built overseas), requiring the  use of the Boeing Dreamlifters for transport.
and the wing, are built overseas), requiring the  use of the Boeing Dreamlifters for transport.

For the original 777, construction took  place in several countries. In Japan,  
For the original 777, construction took  place in several countries. In Japan,  

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki  Heavy Industries built fuselage panels.  
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki  Heavy Industries built fuselage panels.  

Fuji Heavy Industries was tasked with the  aircraft’s center wing section. Over in Australia,  
Fuji Heavy Industries was tasked with the  aircraft’s center wing section. Over in Australia,  

Aerospace Technologies of Australia built the  rudder and Hawker de Havilland the elevators.  
Aerospace Technologies of Australia built the  rudder and Hawker de Havilland the elevators.  

Boeing later acquired both these companies.
Boeing later acquired both these companies.

The first 777 was unveiled in April 1994 and made  its first flight on June 12th. This original 777  
The first 777 was unveiled in April 1994 and made  its first flight on June 12th. This original 777  

(the 777-200) was the smaller of two variants,  designed to meet the needs of US airlines. It  
(the 777-200) was the smaller of two variants,  designed to meet the needs of US airlines. It  

entered service with United Airlines and operated  its first commercial flight on June 7th, 1995.
entered service with United Airlines and operated  its first commercial flight on June 7th, 1995.

Over the next three years, Boeing  launched two more variants.
Over the next three years, Boeing  launched two more variants.

Overall, the three first generation  (or classic) variants are as follows:
Overall, the three first generation  (or classic) variants are as follows:

The 777-200, which was the initial,  
The 777-200, which was the initial,  

shorter variant. This entered  service in 1995 with United Airlines.
shorter variant. This entered  service in 1995 with United Airlines.

There was the 777-200ER, which  offered increased range (and  
There was the 777-200ER, which  offered increased range (and  

payload). This entered service with  British Airways in February 1997.
payload). This entered service with  British Airways in February 1997.

The 777-300 featured a stretched fuselage with  
The 777-300 featured a stretched fuselage with  

an additional 10 meters. This entered  service with Cathay Pacific in May 1998.
an additional 10 meters. This entered  service with Cathay Pacific in May 1998.

By 1997, 777 orders had risen to 323 aircraft from  
By 1997, 777 orders had risen to 323 aircraft from  

25 airlines - it was already well on the  way to being a strong success for Boeing.
25 airlines - it was already well on the  way to being a strong success for Boeing.

Boeing always had the intention to increase  the range of the 777. Early proposals looked at  
Boeing always had the intention to increase  the range of the 777. Early proposals looked at  

shortening the -200 to develop a lower capacity  but higher range variant (similar to what was  
shortening the -200 to develop a lower capacity  but higher range variant (similar to what was  

done for the 747SP). This was dropped,  though, in favor of keeping the capacity.
done for the 747SP). This was dropped,  though, in favor of keeping the capacity.

In the late 1990s, Boeing began the development  of these next-generation of 777 aircraft.  
In the late 1990s, Boeing began the development  of these next-generation of 777 aircraft.  

Of course, they kept commonality with the same  fuselage and cockpit design but also increased  
Of course, they kept commonality with the same  fuselage and cockpit design but also increased  

the wingspan (by almost four meters). Engines  were also switched to the newly developed GE90  
the wingspan (by almost four meters). Engines  were also switched to the newly developed GE90  

engines. Thus, there was no longer a choice  of engines as with the first generation.
engines. Thus, there was no longer a choice  of engines as with the first generation.

The first aircraft to be developed from  this generation was the 777-300ER. This  
The first aircraft to be developed from  this generation was the 777-300ER. This  

entered service in 2004 and would combine  the size of the 777-300 with the range of  
entered service in 2004 and would combine  the size of the 777-300 with the range of  

the 777-200ER by increasing  the maximum take-off weight.  
the 777-200ER by increasing  the maximum take-off weight.  

The fuselage and landing gear were also  strengthened. This matched the long-haul  
The fuselage and landing gear were also  strengthened. This matched the long-haul  

needs of many airlines, and the 777-3000ER has  gone on to be the most sold 777 variant.  
needs of many airlines, and the 777-3000ER has  gone on to be the most sold 777 variant.  

The 777-300ER was joined by the ultra-long-range  777-200LR in 2006. This kept the length of the  
The 777-300ER was joined by the ultra-long-range  777-200LR in 2006. This kept the length of the  

777-200 but used the same improvements  as the -3000ER to allow increased weight.
777-200 but used the same improvements  as the -3000ER to allow increased weight.

With additional fuel tanks, it  extended the range to almost  
With additional fuel tanks, it  extended the range to almost  

16,000 kilometers. It entered service with  Pakistan International Airlines in 2006.
16,000 kilometers. It entered service with  Pakistan International Airlines in 2006.

It has not been a great success with only  60 aircraft delivered. Its main problem was,  
It has not been a great success with only  60 aircraft delivered. Its main problem was,  

in fact, too much range! It  achieved its range through  
in fact, too much range! It  achieved its range through  

extra fuel - this made it heavy and  expensive to operate on long routes.
extra fuel - this made it heavy and  expensive to operate on long routes.

As part of this second generation, Boeing launched  the 777F freighter model. This took advantage of  
As part of this second generation, Boeing launched  the 777F freighter model. This took advantage of  

the upgraded engines and increased MTOW  to carry freight payload. Critically,  
the upgraded engines and increased MTOW  to carry freight payload. Critically,  

its maximum payload was only slightly lower  than that of the 747-200F (104 tonnes compared  
its maximum payload was only slightly lower  than that of the 747-200F (104 tonnes compared  

to 110 tonnes), so it made a good choice  for retiring older Boeing freighters.
to 110 tonnes), so it made a good choice  for retiring older Boeing freighters.

The 777 and 747 together have ensured Boeing  continued dominance in the freighter market.  
The 777 and 747 together have ensured Boeing  continued dominance in the freighter market.  

There is a chance for Airbus to challenge  this dominance with its A350 freighter. In  
There is a chance for Airbus to challenge  this dominance with its A350 freighter. In  

terms of orders, the Airbus rival  seems to be off to a good start.
terms of orders, the Airbus rival  seems to be off to a good start.

The 777 story is far from over, with the 777X  now being tested and due to enter service in  
The 777 story is far from over, with the 777X  now being tested and due to enter service in  

the coming years. This will be the largest and  highest capacity twin-engine aircraft to date.
the coming years. This will be the largest and  highest capacity twin-engine aircraft to date.

The 777X was first proposed in 2011,  with a targeting flying date of 2018,  
The 777X was first proposed in 2011,  with a targeting flying date of 2018,  

as a larger, more efficient  successor to the 777-300ER.  
as a larger, more efficient  successor to the 777-300ER.  

It keeps a lot in common with the previous  777 family members and introduces some key  
It keeps a lot in common with the previous  777 family members and introduces some key  

new features. Most importantly, it retains  the same metal fuselage construction.
new features. Most importantly, it retains  the same metal fuselage construction.

The Boeing 787 (and the A350)  are clean-sheet designs that have  
The Boeing 787 (and the A350)  are clean-sheet designs that have  

introduced composite fuselage construction  to reduce overall weight significantly.  
introduced composite fuselage construction  to reduce overall weight significantly.  

The 777X has the same fuselage  but has increased its width by  
The 777X has the same fuselage  but has increased its width by  

around four inches through thinner  walls and more efficient insulation.
around four inches through thinner  walls and more efficient insulation.

If all goes according to plan, there will be  two versions of the 777X: The 777-9 and the  
If all goes according to plan, there will be  two versions of the 777X: The 777-9 and the  

smaller 777-8. The 777-9 (the first to launch)  offers a capacity of up to 426 (in a two-class  
smaller 777-8. The 777-9 (the first to launch)  offers a capacity of up to 426 (in a two-class  

configuration). With a length of 76 meters,  it is the longest commercial jet to date.  
configuration). With a length of 76 meters,  it is the longest commercial jet to date.  

The smaller 777-8, if or when it gets  built, will offer a capacity of around 384.
The smaller 777-8, if or when it gets  built, will offer a capacity of around 384.

The smaller 777-8 will compete well against  the A350-1000. But the 777-9 is really in a  
The smaller 777-8 will compete well against  the A350-1000. But the 777-9 is really in a  

twin-engine category of its own and takes the  capacity of twins much closer to quadjets,
twin-engine category of its own and takes the  capacity of twins much closer to quadjets,

Despite its commonality with earlier 777 types,  
Despite its commonality with earlier 777 types,  

there is a lot to be excited about with the  777X. It will achieve more efficient operation,  
there is a lot to be excited about with the  777X. It will achieve more efficient operation,  

but with high capacity and range  with new engines and larger wings.
but with high capacity and range  with new engines and larger wings.

When it coems to New engines, it will  feature the largest and most powerful  
When it coems to New engines, it will  feature the largest and most powerful  

to date. The new General Electric  GE9X engine features carbon fiber  
to date. The new General Electric  GE9X engine features carbon fiber  

construction and fewer fan blades to  reduce weight despite the larger size.  
construction and fewer fan blades to  reduce weight despite the larger size.  

After several delays, the GE9X engines finally  received FAA certification in September 2020.
After several delays, the GE9X engines finally  received FAA certification in September 2020.

There are also Folding wingtips. The larger wings  on the 777X are critical for its performance and  
There are also Folding wingtips. The larger wings  on the 777X are critical for its performance and  

efficiency. But large wings can cause operational  problems at many airports - a problem faced by the  
efficiency. But large wings can cause operational  problems at many airports - a problem faced by the  

A380. The 777X wingtips fold on the ground,  reducing its wingspan by around five meters.  
A380. The 777X wingtips fold on the ground,  reducing its wingspan by around five meters.  

This keeps it in a lower aerodrome category  and expands its operating possibilities.
This keeps it in a lower aerodrome category  and expands its operating possibilities.

There have been several setbacks to the  development of the 777X. There were initial  
There have been several setbacks to the  development of the 777X. There were initial  

delays due to engine issues and structural  testing. And further delays have been incurred  
delays due to engine issues and structural  testing. And further delays have been incurred  

due to the slowdown during the pandemic. Boeing's  original plan was to have it in airline service  
due to the slowdown during the pandemic. Boeing's  original plan was to have it in airline service  

by 2021 but this continues to change. The  aircraft is currently undergoing test flights.
by 2021 but this continues to change. The  aircraft is currently undergoing test flights.

In January 2021, Boeing stated it would  not deliver the first jet until late 2023.  
In January 2021, Boeing stated it would  not deliver the first jet until late 2023.  

In an interview with Simple Flying in April 2021,  
In an interview with Simple Flying in April 2021,  

Emirates’ President Sir Tim  Clark referred to the Boeing  
Emirates’ President Sir Tim  Clark referred to the Boeing  

777X program being “in a state of disarray,”  indicating delivery could be as late as 2025.
777X program being “in a state of disarray,”  indicating delivery could be as late as 2025.

The current estimate - at the time of this video’s  production - sees the aircraft entering service in  
The current estimate - at the time of this video’s  production - sees the aircraft entering service in  

early 2025. Of course, there’s always a chance  that this could change again in the future!
early 2025. Of course, there’s always a chance  that this could change again in the future!

On January 31st, 2022, Boeing announced that it  would be offering a 777X freighter. Last year,  
On January 31st, 2022, Boeing announced that it  would be offering a 777X freighter. Last year,  

it was expected that this variant  would enter service in 2027.  
it was expected that this variant  would enter service in 2027.  

Lufthansa and Qatar Airways are the main  customers for this cargo jet thus far.
Lufthansa and Qatar Airways are the main  customers for this cargo jet thus far.

The full story of the 777X could still  change. While only the two passenger  
The full story of the 777X could still  change. While only the two passenger  

variants have so far been confirmed, there is  the possibility of more for the 777 family. A  
variants have so far been confirmed, there is  the possibility of more for the 777 family. A  

possible further stretch to a 777-10X would  take passenger capacity up to around 450.  
possible further stretch to a 777-10X would  take passenger capacity up to around 450.  

Nothing has been confirmed by Boeing as  it aims to focus on getting the -9 into  
Nothing has been confirmed by Boeing as  it aims to focus on getting the -9 into  

service. Such a stretch technically should  not be too difficult, but the decision will  
service. Such a stretch technically should  not be too difficult, but the decision will  

undoubtedly depend on airline demand and whether  Airbus revisits the idea of an A350 stretch.
undoubtedly depend on airline demand and whether  Airbus revisits the idea of an A350 stretch.

With well over 2,200 orders to date, the Boeing  777 has been the most successful widebody.
With well over 2,200 orders to date, the Boeing  777 has been the most successful widebody.

But we are only just seeing the start of its  next generation, with plenty of life left in it.
But we are only just seeing the start of its  next generation, with plenty of life left in it.

So what do you think of the Boeing 777?  What are some notable flights you’ve  
So what do you think of the Boeing 777?  What are some notable flights you’ve  

taken with this aircraft type? Share your  experiences by leaving a comment down below!
taken with this aircraft type? Share your  experiences by leaving a comment down below!

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