The Boeing 777 is one of the most successful selling commercial long haul airliners out there with it’s 777-200/200ER/200LR and its 777-300/300ER models.
Well it seems Boeing is preparing to release to market a new plane – the 777X, with the manufacturer now authorised to offer the 777X to airlines and leasing companies.
This is the last step before a formal launch occurs.
Boeing hasn’t talked about the 777X much, which could involve a stretched fuselage, equipping the new plane with new engines and new wings.
What is known is that the 777X’s engines – the General Electric GE-9X Engine is aiming for certification for flight by 2018. This would indicate an entry into service by the end of the decade.
Boeing is now in talks with customers about the plans as they progress onward, and the 777X’s timing will now down to how those talks go.
Airlines will be watching this carefully as the 777-300ER’s are great aircraft for them in terms of capacity, range and operational costs – how the 777X will measure up will be of concern as they come to update their fleets.
Already, one airline has voted with its cash and defected to Airbus (by buying A350-1000’s).
Meanwhile the talk about the 787-10X is starting to hot up as the Paris Air Show edges closer.
Some intresting aircraft in the future to come. How these aircraft are filled in terms of products will be the really fun thing to watch…
I believe this 777X will be a ETOPS330 certified. Is that right?
As the 787-8 is rated for ETOPS330, it would honestly surprise me if the 777X isn’t rated the same.