A Look At The Routes The Boeing 777X Could Fly

The Boeing 777X is the largest twinjet in Boeing's lineup. The larger version, the 777-9, has sold far better than its smaller counterpart the 777-8. While the capacity of the aircraft is impressive, Boeing has marketed this as a gamechanger widebody that could open a number of new route options. Let's take a look.

What new routes could the 777X open?

This aircraft is designed for long-haul flying. And Boeing has made no secret that it wants the 777X to fly some of the most prestigious routes out there. Below is a graphic from Boeing depicting various routes the 777X could fly:

Boeing 777X Routes — Some potential 777X routes as highlighted by Boeing. Photo: Boeing

Singapore to New York

One of the more interesting routes is the Singapore to New York-JFK route. Currently, this route is flown using an Airbus A350-900ULR in a premium-heavy configuration. However, Singapore Airlines has apparently had some difficulty with selling premium economy tickets on this flight. Selling that many economy tickets might be even harder. On a flight that long, coach could start to become quite brutal.

Singapore Airlines 777X — Singapore Airlines is a financially sound company with a profitable long term goal, such as investing in the Boeing 777X. Photo: Boeing

But, if the route does continue to gain traction, the 777X could be a possibility. If we can dream, the 777X on this route could be in a fun configuration with room to move around, a bar, perhaps a little lounge.

The high and hot airports

High and hot airports are tough when it comes to launching new routes. For airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, this means fuel stops in between which severely limits nonstop long-haul opportunities. Two other hot and high airports are Mexico City and Johannesburg. Both of these airports are capable of handling the 777X.

Currently, both of these routes are in operation. Iberia and Aeromexico fly between Mexico City and Madrid. Meanwhile, South African Airways flies between New York and Johannesburg. Neither of these airlines, however, have the Boeing 777X on order. But, this could be an invitation for other airlines to open new long-haul routes. After United's latest foray into Cape Town, perhaps United could use the 777X to open a new route to Johannesburg.

More importantly, however, these route options show how the 777X could benefit other airlines who fly in and out of hot and high airports.

Other long-haul routes

Emirates has the 777X on order. And, the 777X is capable of flying between DXB and LAX. Although the route is currently served with an A380, Emirates could upgrade with a second daily frequency using the 777X. Arguably, this would be the most likely of the routes Boeing advertised to be flown with a 777X.

Emirates 777X — A 777X for Emirates under development! Spot the wingtips! Photo: Jay Singh - Simple Flying

Next up is Mumbai to Sao Paulo. This is one interesting route. For one, it doesn't appear that there would be an Indian airline capable of ordering a 777X and starting this service. Moreover, from the Brazilian end, most likely it would be LATAM to fly this route. Although, LATAM likely has other routes on its horizon.

Overall

These routes are less about exact routes airlines could open and more about the possibilities this aircraft could open. Boeing's 777X is capable of doing long-haul routes ranging from a garden-variety transatlantic to some really long hops. Although, the aircraft is just a little short for Project Sunrise.

What routes do you think the 777X should fly? Let us know in the comments!