Today, Boeing has confirmed that the 777X will be certified as part of the 777 family in 2021. Previously, there was speculation that the widebody will have a separate type certificate. However, the manufacturer has now clarified that this is not the case.

Boeing 777X
A mockup of the two aircraft side by side. Photo: Boeing

All confirmed

This news was announced on the same day as Boeing shared that it will slow the production rate of the plane amid the downturn in activity this year. The company is looking to cut thousands of jobs due to the global aviation crisis. Therefore, there will be fewer people behind the project over the next year. The combined production rate of the 777 and 777X will be reduced to three per month in 2021.

Nonetheless, there are high hopes for the upcoming aircraft. It is billed to be the world's largest and most efficient twin-engine jet. The manufacturer states that the plane will deliver 10 percent lower fuel use and emissions and 10 percent lower operating costs than its counterparts. Moreover, it will succeed the Airbus A350 as the newest widebody commercial aircraft in the world.

There are two variants of the model. The 777-8 will carry 384 passengers in two classes. Furthermore, it will have a range of 8,730 nmi (16,170 km). Meanwhile, the 777-9 can carry 426 passengers in two classes. This build has a range of 7,285 nmi (13,500 km).

Cathay Pacific Boeing 777
The FAA also recommends operators of the 777 to follow advice surrounding pitch guidance issues. Photo: Getty Images

Clearer situation

Aeronews reports that in Boeing's Q1 results media call, the company stated that the jet will be certified "as part of the 777 family, under an amended type certificate." Some reporters mistook this as a completely different type of certification. However, Boeing cleared up the confusion later on.

Simple Flying reached out to Boeing for more information on its plans for the 777X. A spokesperson shared that the firm is following the steps of the Federal Aviation Administration when it comes to its decision-making process.

The spokesperson shared the following:

"The 777X is going through a thorough, robust certification program, and we will follow the FAA's lead. That is the point we emphasized today. For further clarification, it will be certified as a part of the 777 family, not as an all-new type."

Boeing 777X test flight getty images
The 777X is a more efficient alternative, still with high capacity. Photo: Getty Images

In good company

Altogether, even though there is so much hype surrounding the aircraft ahead of its introduction, it is not going to start its own family. Instead, it will join its other 777 siblings, which first started flying back in 1994. The aircraft resumed test flights at the end of last week following a month's rest. Ultimately, with its ambitious specifications, the plane is set to take the industry by storm when it hits the skies.

What are your thoughts on Boeing's 777X aircraft being certified as part of the 777 family? Is this what you were initially expecting? Let us know what you think of the situation in the comment section.