Boeing launches 777X with record-breaking orders and commitments
Boeing launched (17-Nov-2013) the 777X programme at the 2013 Dubai Airshow with a record-breaking number of customer orders and commitments for the newest member of its twin-aisle product family. Agreements for 259 aircraft from four customers across Europe and the Middle East provide a strong foundation to support development and production of the aircraft. Representing the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by dollar value, 777X orders and commitments include Lufthansa with 34 airplanes; Etihad Airways with 25; Qatar Airways with 50 and Emirates with 150 aircraft. The combined value of the agreements is more than USD95 billion at list prices. Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner said, "We are proud to partner with each of these esteemed airlines to launch the 777X - the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jetliner in the world....Its ground-breaking engine technologies and all-new composite wing will deliver unsurpassed value and growth potential to our customers." The 777X builds on the 777, which today commands 55% of market share in its category in terms of backlog, and 71% of the in-service fleet worldwide, according to Boeing. The 777X family includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X, both designed to respond to market needs and customer preferences. The 777-8X competes directly with the A350-1000, while the 777-9X is in a class by itself, Boeing said. The 777-9X offers seating for more than 400 passengers, depending on an airline's configuration choices, and has a range of more than 8200 nautical miles (15,185 km). The second member of the family, the 777-8X, will seat 350 passengers and have range capability of more than 9300 nautical miles (17,220 km). In addition, the airplane will have unmatched takeoff and payload capability compared to the competition, Boeing said. Mr Conner added, "The airplane will build on the market-leading 777 and will provide superior operating economics... The airplane will be 12 percent more fuel efficient than any competing airplane, necessary in today's competitive environment." The 777X will be powered by the GE9X by GE Aviation and will have an all-new high-efficiency composite wing that has a longer span than today's 777. Like the 787 which was launched as the 7E7, the 777X will be formally named at a later date. Design of the 777X is underway and suppliers will be named in the coming months. Production is set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2020. [more - original PR]