In a massive facility in Everett, Washington, Boeing is currently assembling what is set to be the world's largest twin-engine aircraft, the Boeing 777X. This plant, described by a Boeing manager as the largest in the world by volume, is filled with several of these enormous jets at various stages of production. The 777X is the latest iteration of Boeing's successful 777 family of long-haul commercial aircraft.
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The Everett plant will be responsible for producing three variants of the 777X: the 777-200 cargo plane, which is based on an existing 777 model; the next-generation 777-9, which is still undergoing certification; and the 777-8, a new model that is slightly smaller than the 777-9. The 777X program has faced several delays, with Boeing initially targeting a 2020 release date for the 777-9. However, the company now expects the first deliveries to take place in 2025. This delay has been attributed to various factors, including issues with the GE9X engine and a cargo door blowing off during a static stress test conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Despite these setbacks, Boeing is optimistic about the 777X's future. The company has undertaken the "most thorough commercial flight test effort" for the 777-9, which recently completed its first certification test flight on July 12, 2024. This test flight followed the FAA's issuance of a "type inspection authorization" (TIA), which allows Boeing to proceed with the certification process. The 777X represents a significant upgrade over its predecessors, with a more spacious cabin and a thinner fuselage.
The aircraft also features wing tips that can pivot in around 20 seconds, providing added agility despite its size. Boeing is confident that the 777X can meet the demands of the certification process and stand up to the rigors of service. The company is set to showcase the 777X at the Farnborough Air Show in Britain, where it will highlight the aircraft's capabilities and features. With its advanced technology and design, the 777X is poised to become a key player in the long-haul commercial aviation market once it enters service in 2025.