After 7 years of preparation, the world’s most futuristic, innovative and technological aircraft, Boeing’s new 777-9X, just took off to the skies for its first ever flight. 2 delays later, due to inconvenient weather, the test flight finally lifted from the ground at 10:09am at the Paine Field in Everett on the 25th January 2020. This milestone for Boeing has not only put them back in the game with Airbus but also created hope for them after the 737 MAX havoc. This new modern airliner is no doubt great, but, do airlines really need it? How does it differ from the existing Boeing 777-300? And most importantly, how is this and the second variant, the 777-8x, going to impact the aviation market?

With more than 2,000 orders since it first got released, the Boeing 777 fleet was and still is one of the most popular aircraft of this century. However, since its initial introduction in 1995 with United Airlines, many new technologies have evolved and risen making flying safer, easier and less harmful to the environment. Flights such as the proposed 19 hour-long London to Sydney flight, operated by Qantas Airlines, is only happening due to the fact aircraft manufacturers have the technology to create such aircrafts, which wasn’t available 20 years ago. The Boeing 777X made using this new technology is essential for many airlines, not only to provide a better experience for their customers but to save their fleet. Many of the 12 airlines who have ordered this aircraft- which consists of British Airways, Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and more- have several old aircrafts such as the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747 still in operation. These inefficient, less safe and ageing aircrafts are expensive to run due to rising fuel costs and short range compared to modern jets. It’s quite evident that these old aircrafts are unwanted as they are very cost ineffective; the majority of airlines have already retired their 747’s such as United Airlines and many have plans to do so such as British Airways (who ordered a huge amount of 18 777X-9). This is where the 777X perfectly fits in. Starting service in 2021, this aircraft’s purpose is to replace the ageing and unwanted aircrafts that airlines no longer want. Willie Walsh, the CEO of IAG who owns British Airways, stated that the new 777X-9 is “the ideal replacement for the Boeing 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline’s existing network”, emphasising on the fact that the 777X is the best option. The Boeing 747 is simply not designed for this modern climate where people want to do less harm to the environment, whereas the 777X is. These new technologies have made it possible for Boeing to do so.

So why don’t airlines buy the Boeing 777-300 variant? There is more of a change than you think. The 777X has an extended range, around a 2000nmi increase, which is a needed change, especially when all long-haul airlines are expanding opening routes they have never flown before. Plus there is a small increase in capacity; around 50 extra people can fit onboard. No, you won’t be squeezed on! The 777X is actually 3 meters larger and wider than the 777-300 and longer than the 747 making this the largest twin-engine aircraft to ever fly. One hyped up special and unique feature of the 777X which cannot be found anywhere else is the folding wingtips. Due to its massive wingspan, Boeing has had to create a mechanism to fold the wing up when on the ground (from the wingtip)  to avoid collisions and so it can fit airport requirements. When in normal flight procedures, such as take off, cruise or landing, the folding wingtips are extended unleashing its true size. The wings on the 777X are 8 meters longer than the 777-300! Lastly, the latest GE engines (GE9X) have been fitted on to this aircraft allowing the aircraft to be more fuel efficient, saving our environment. These immense engines are the reason behind its massive range. Did you know that the diameter of one of the GE9X engines is the same as the diameter of the Boeing 737’s fuselage? Yes, you read that right!

In conclusion, this new aircraft has some neat features and having the purpose to replace its predecessor; it will do a very effective job. These upgrades are the key reason to already having 12 definite customers. This Boeing aircraft will revolutionise the aviation market and options available for airlines, just like the Airbus A350, and most importantly improve passenger experience.