Summary

• The Boeing 777X is a fuel-efficient widebody aircraft that combines features from the 777 and 787 programs.
• The 777X has unique folding wingtips, providing larger wings for efficient flight and easier airport operations with a lower wingspan on the ground.
• Emirates has placed the largest order for the 777X, with 205 aircraft.

The Boeing 777X is the next generation of widebody aircraft under development at Boeing, set to bring the most modern performance and fuel-saving advancements to the world-renowned 777 family. The aircraft made its first test flight in January 2020, but following significant delays, deliveries of the type are not expected to begin until 2025. Despite these setbacks, which airlines have ordered the 777X so far?

What is the Boeing 777X?

The Boeing 777X is the manufacturer's latest composite widebody aircraft, combining the best of Boeing's 777 and 787 programs to offer increased fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. As the highest capacity twin-engine jet to date, it provides new and economical opportunities for airlines.

The aircraft is easily identifiable by its unique folding wingtips. These are a first on a commercial jet, ensuring larger wings for efficient flight but aiding airport operations with a lower wingspan on the ground, a significant limitation of the Airbus A380.

The 777X will be available in two variants for passengers - the 777-8 and the longer 777-9. The 777-9 will come first, which, in its most dense configuration, will be capable of carrying more than 400 passengers. The 777-8 will carry fewer passengers but will have a longer range than its sibling. In August 2023, Boeing revealed that it had extended the length of the passenger 777-8's fuselage to increase the aircraft's capacity and range.

Which airlines have ordered the Boeing 777X?

While orders for the 777-8 have been slow, the 777-9 has proved significantly more popular with airlines worldwide. According to data from ch-aviation, 435 examples of the 777X have been ordered across all variants, including the 777F. The largest order has come from Emirates, with 205 aircraft in total following an increase at the Dubai Airshow in November. Meanwhile, the smallest is from the Azerbaijani cargo carrier Silk Way West Airlines, with just two orders.

A complete list of firm orders can be seen in the table below:

Notable Boeing 777X orders

Lufthansa placed the first order and plans to take 27 aircraft - replacing large parts of its long-haul fleet. With other airlines making larger orders, it will not be the launch customer, however.

As mentioned earlier, Emirates has 205 examples of Boeing's 777X on firm order, which will begin to replace the Dubai-based carrier's older 777s. It also has 35 Boeing 787 aircraft on order. If nothing changes, Emirates will receive a 777X from Boeing in 2024 in order to carry out proving flights.

Iran Air originally placed an order for 15 777-9s, but due to the embargo on Iran by the US, Boeing was forced to cancel the order. Qantas, on the other hand, opted for the Airbus A350-1000 over the 777X for its Project Sunrise flights.

When it finally arrives, almost five years behind schedule, the Boeing 777X will likely be a game changer for the aviation industry, with airlines eager to take advantage of its high passenger capacity and long range. It remains to be seen if more carriers will place an order between now and then.

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Do you think any more airlines will order the Boeing 777X? If so, which? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

• 

  Boeing

  Stock Code:

  BA

  Date Founded:

  1916-07-15

  CEO:

  Dave Calhoun

  Headquarters Location:

  Chicago, USA

  Key Product Lines:

  Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Boeing 757, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, Boeing 787

  Business Type:

  Planemaker