Boeing’s newest and largest twin-jet took to the skies today for the first time. The huge new jet departed from Paine Field in Everett, Washington shortly after 10am. For Boeing, it was a positive development after so many disappointments including a long delay for the first flight of the 777x and a lingering 737 MAX crisis.
The first Boeing #777X is in flight. After a few hours of flying, the jet will land at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington.
— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) January 25, 2020
Track the flight here: https://t.co/ekfjglCcb7 pic.twitter.com/XRTetREL4M
The Boeing 777-9 represents Boeing’s hope to capture the bulk of large twin, long-haul orders. The -9 is more of an evolution of the 777 verses the original revolution that the original 777 represented. The -9 will offer seating for about 50 more people in a traditional three-class layout and have a similar range to the 777-300er.
The big differences between the 777x family and original 777 family are mainly in terms of efficiency. The jet features a new advanced composite wing with folding wingtips that allow the jet to fit into existing 777 gates without any refit.
The jet has new GE9x engines which are about 10% more efficient than the GE-90s that powered the original 777s. Boeing is also enhancing comfort with windows that are 15% bigger and a cabin that is similar to the 787 in terms of decor and style.
The testing program for the 777x will continue throughout 2020. The first delivery of the Boeing 777-9 isn’t scheduled until 2021.
UPDATE: Boeing’s Twitter account posted footage of the landing. You can see it linked in the tweet below.
Congratulations to our customers and #777X team on today’s safe and successful flight, the first of many for the 777X as we continue our rigorous test program.
— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) January 25, 2020
Continue the journey with us, signup for updates here: https://t.co/n7t9Os5Q6Y pic.twitter.com/rawf73V6x5
