New images from Woodys Aeroimages of the Boeing 777X highlight the aircraft’s massive composite wing.
The wing of the Boeing 777X is 235 feet, 5 in (71.75 m) with the folding winglets deployed and with those winglets folded up 212 feet, 8 in (64.82 m).
While the composite wing is a first for the 777X family it is, in fact, the fourth composite wing built by Boeing for a commercial aircraft after three versions for the 787.
The wing and the new GE9X engine are the secrets to the 777X’s performance.
A second 777X – N778XX – has new upgraded engines installed and the first flight is expected soon.
The third and fourth test aircraft are: N7779XX and N7779XZ.
The 777-9X seats more than 400 passengers, depending on an airline’s configuration choices. With a range of more than 8,200 nautical miles (15,185 km), the aircraft will have the lowest operating cost per seat of any commercial aircraft says, Boeing.
The second member of the family, the 777-8X, will be the most flexible jet in the world claims Boeing. The aircraft will seat 350 passengers and offer a range capability of more than 9,300 nautical miles (17,220 km).
The driving force behind the aircraft is Emirates President Tim Clark and calls the 777X an “absolute peach.”
“There will not be a city on the planet — aside from the mid-Pacific — we can’t reach,” Sir Tim said. “This (777X) will be poetry in motion . . . it will have enormous versatility.”
Key to the enthusiasm is the aircraft’s economics, being 20 per cent more efficient per seat than the 777-300ER.
The 777X combines the best features of the current 777, with a longer fuselage, new engine and the composite wing design from the Boeing 787.
It also features 20 per cent larger windows, lower pressurization altitude to reduce jet lag and a wider cabin.
Since the launch in 2013 Boeing has sold the 777X to Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways and All Nippon Airways.