777X proposal EditIn September 2011

777X proposal Edit
In September 2011, Boeing released more details on proposed new 777 versions, tentatively designated 777-8X and 777-9X, and collectively referred to as 777X.[3] The 777-9X would feature extended horizontal stabilizers compared to the -300ER and a fuselage stretch of 7.0 ft (2.13 m) to a total length of 250 ft 11 in (76.5 m) to accommodate 407 passengers.[4][5] The 777-9X's planned length exceeds the 250 ft 2 in (76.3 m) length of the Boeing 747-8, currently the world's longest airliner. Wingspan was expected to increase from the current 212 ft 7 in (64.8 m) to 234 ft (71.3 m), and incorporate the use of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer in its construction.[3][6][7][8] In addition, gross weight was tentatively slated to decrease slightly from the current 775,000 lb (352,000 kg) to approximately 759,000 lb (344,000 kg) for the −9X model.[4] Boeing was also studying an ultra long-range replacement for the 777-200LR, conceptually dubbed the 777-8LX, which would share the –9X's fuel capacity and gross weight. Its range will be 9,480 nmi (10,910 mi; 17,560 km) compared to 9,395 nmi (10,812 mi; 17,400 km) for the −200LR.[4] The 777-8LX's fuselage length would match that of the proposed −8X at 228.17 ft (69.5 m).[3] Preliminary estimates placed entry into service for the first 777X variants at around 2019.[9][10]

In February 2012, General Electric disclosed studies on a slightly smaller engine, dubbed the General Electric GE9X, to power the 777X. It was to feature the same fan diameter from the GE90-115B (128 in or 325 cm) and a thrust decrease to new ratings of 99,500 lbf (443 kN) per engine for the –9X and –8XL, and 88,000 lbf (390 kN) for the –8X.[11][12][13] Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney also proposed powerplants for the 777X, including the RB3025 concept, based off the Trent 1000 and Trent XWB engines, and an adaptation of PW1000G engine architecture to produce up to 100,000 lbf (440 kN) of thrust.[3] However, in March 2013, the GE9X was selected as the exclusive engine to power the 777X.[14] GE subsequently updated the GE9X specifications to reflect growing concerns that the 777X would be underpowered. Design changes included an increase of thrust to 102,000 lbf (450 kN), and then up to 105,000 lbf (470 kN)[15] with a new fan diameter of 132 in (335 cm), giving the new engine the largest fan GE has ever produced.[16][17][18] In August 2012, a report in the Seattle Times stated that Boeing had slowed 777X development, but still planned for it to begin service by about 2019.[19]

The decision to offer the aircraft with only one engine type is somewhat controversial. Some airlines bemoan the loss of competition among engine makers; Steven Udvar-Hazy, CEO of Air Lease Corp., said that he wants a choice of engines. Airbus has pointed out that equipping a commercial aircraft to handle more than one type of engine adds millions of dollars to the purchase price. A Pratt & Whitney executive told the Wall Street Journal, "Engines are no longer commodities...the optimization of the engine and the aircraft becomes more relevant."[20]

777X program Edit
In May 2013, Boeing's board of directors gave formal permission for its Commercial Airplanes division to start offering the 777X to customers.[21] On September 18, 2013, Lufthansa's supervisory board gave approval to order 34 Boeing 777-9X aircraft to replace its 747-400s. At the time, Boeing was reportedly planning to launch the 777X series later in 2013.[22][23][24] In October 2013, Boeing announced that its U.S. facilities in Charleston, Huntsville, Long Beach, Philadelphia, and St. Louis as well as Russian facilities in Moscow would support the 777X design effort.[25]

View of airport tarmac with terminal building and multiple airliners parked adjacent to it.
A row of Emirates 777s at Dubai International Airport. The carrier is one of the launch customers of the 777X.
Boeing officially launched the 777X at the 2013 Dubai Airshow in November 2013, announcing a total of 259 orders and commitments worth more than US$95 billion.[26][27] According to Boeing, this was the largest product launch by dollar value in the history of commercial aviation.[28] In addition to the 34 aircraft commitment from Lufthansa in September 2013, Boeing received orders and commitments at the Dubai Airshow for 150 aircraft from Emirates, 25 aircraft from Etihad Airways, and 50 aircraft from Qatar Airways.[26][29][30]

The 777X program includes two models: the 777-9X, which is stretched beyond the length of the 777-300ER, and the 777-8X, which is sized close to the 777-300ER but with ultra-long range capability.[29] Because deliveries of the 777X are not expected to begin until 2020, Boeing faces the challenge of maintaining an efficient production line for its existing 777 models. With 380 777s on order as of the end of 2013, and no orders booked at the most recent air show, in Singapore in February 2014, Boeing was trying to support a production rate of 100 aircraft per year on that line. To stimulate additional orders and bridge the gap until 777X models roll off the assembly line, Boeing vice president of sales John Wojick proposed pairing 777X sales with sales of current generation models, and providing opportunities for passenger airlines to sell their used 777 aircraft for conversion to freighter aircraft. The airlines could then purchase new 777 passenger aircraft.[31]

In December 2013, Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific ordered 21 777-9X airliners with deliveries in 2021-2024.[32] By April 2014, with cumulative sales surpassing those of the 747, the Boeing 777 became the best-selling wide-body airliner; at existing production rates, the aircraft was on track to become the most-delivered wide-body aircraft by mid-2016.[33] Emirates finalized its order for 150 777X aircraft, consisting of 115 777-9Xs and 35 777-8Xs in July 2014.[34] On July 16, 2014, Qatar Airways finalized its order for 50 777-9X airplanes, with purchase rights for 50 more 777-9Xs. On July 31, 2014, Japan's All Nippon Airways finalized an order for 20 Boeing 777-9Xs.[35]

In December 2014, Boeing began construction on a new 367,000-square-foot (34,100 m2) composites facility in St. Louis to build 777X parts; completion is set for 2016. The expansion will create about 700 new jobs. The facility will feature six autoclaves with work on 777X wing and empennage parts to start in 2017.[36][37]

In May 2015 Boeing announced it would convert the current 787 'surge' line at Everett by the end of 2015 into an early production line for the 777X[38] with the first 777X expected to roll off that line in 2018.[39]

Design Edit

Design plans call for the 777X to feature cabin design details that were originally introduced on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These include larger windows than prior commercial aircraft, increased cabin pressure equivalent to 6,000 feet (1,800 m) altitude, higher ceilings, and more humidity.[40] Structural changes are required versus the original 777 fuselage design in order to incorporate these design improvements as well as greater cabin width.[40] Folding wingtips to fit the current 777 size category are planned for the 777X.[41]

Variants Edit

777-8X Edit
The 777-8X's length is between the 777-200ER and 777-300ER with seating for about 350 passengers in a three-class configuration and has a range of 9,300 nmi (17,200 km) or more. It is to take the place of the -200LR and be a direct competitor to the Airbus A350-1000.[15][29][42] The internal cabin width is increased to 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m) from the 19 ft 3 in (5.87 m) width of previous 777 models. This will allow 10-abreast economy seating with 18.0 in (46 cm) wide seats.[15][43]

777-9X Edit
The 777-9X is a further stretched variant with seating for over 400 passengers[44] in a three-class configuration and a range of more than 8,200 nmi (15,200 km). Boeing states that it will have "no competitor in its market segment".[15][23] The 777-9X is to begin production in 2017 and enter service in 2020.[29] The 777-9X shares the more spacious cabin interior width of 19 ft 7 in (5.97 m) with the -8X for 10-abreast economy seating with seats up to 18.0 in (46 cm) wide.[15][43]