IAG, the owners of British Airways, have just ordered 42 Boeing 777X aircraft from the aerospace giant. The Boeing 777X builds on the technology of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the aircraft offers a fuel per seat saving of 30% compared with British Airways ageing 747 fleet which will be replaced by the 777X.
Delivery of the 777X aircraft, although not confirmed could start as soon as 2020.
This Boeing 777X is worth around $18.6 billion at list prices, but as we mentioned in a previous Simple Flying article, it is likely IAG received hefty discounts on this order.
What are the details?
IAG has specifically ordered 18 777-9 variants and options for 24 more.
"The new 777-9 is the world's most fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft and will bring many benefits to British Airways' fleet. It's the ideal replacement for the 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline's existing network," - Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive
What is the Boeing 777X? Why is it good?
There are two versions of this next generation jet, the 777-8, and the 777-9. The smaller version can fly further but the larger version can carry significantly more passengers.
Type |
Length |
Wing Span |
Passengers |
Range |
List price |
69.8 m |
71.8 m |
365 |
8690 nm |
US$394.9M |
|
76.7 m |
71.8 m |
414 |
7525 nm |
US$425.8M |
The 777X builds on impressive technologies developed during the 787 programs. For one, the aircraft will be far cheaper to operate with 12% less fuel consumption than previous versions (specifically the 777-300ER, which British Airways operates nearly 60 of). It also has a wider footprint, bigger windows, quieter cabin, new lighting, turbulence detection and better pressurization (increased humidity as well).
New Club World cabin?
It is likely that with this larger and new plane, IAG will take the opportunity to fully redesign the interior. With a new Club World being designed for new A350's which are getting delivered from July this year, we can expect this same A350 cabin will be used on their 777X aircraft.
Lufthansa (who are eagerly awaiting their 777X) have also taken the opportunity to create an impressive new business class we can't wait to try.
These new club world cabins will feature all the new developments we have come to expect. We imagine there will be privacy screens, wider lie-flat seats, and direct aisle access. There may also be a 'throne' style seat, in which in the business cabin the seat configuration moves from 1-2-1 to 1-1-1 each alternate row. These seats will be very popular for solo travelers who want as much room as possible.
Boeing's Comments:
"British Airways is one of the most iconic international carriers, now in its 100th year of connecting the world with its impressive route network. We are honored that British Airways has selected the 777X as part of its fleet for its next century. Together with the 787 Dreamliner, we are excited for the 777X to help British Airways build on its incredible legacy," - Kevin McAllister, president & CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes
British Airways can expect to have their new jets in service sometime after 2020.
What do you think about British Airways operating 777X aircraft in their fleet?