With the company’s 737 MAX still grounded, Boeing is working around the clock to complete the 777X. The latest generation of long-range, wide-body commercial jets developed by Boeing, the 777X is expected to shake up the commercial aviation industry. Because it’s still in development, though, not many people know about the 777X. In this post, we’re going to explore five fun facts about Boeing’s upcoming 777X.
#1) 10% More Fuel Efficient
According to Boeing, the 777X will be 10% more fuel efficient than competing jets of a similar size. Considering that fuel is one of the biggest expenses facing commercial airlines, this could be a huge selling for the American aerospace manufacturing giant. By touting the 777X’s efficient properties, Boeing shouldn’t have trouble selling the 777X to commercial airlines.
#2) The World’s Largest Twin-Engine Jet
Boeing also claims that the 777X, when finished, will be the world’s largest twin-engine jet. How big is the 777X exactly? Sizes vary depending on the variant. With that said, the smallest variant of the 777X measures between 210 and 242 feet long.
#3) Available In Multiple Variants
Like other families of jets manufactured by Boeing, the 777X will be offered in multiple variants. Boeing announced the 777-8 and 777-9 variants in November 2013. The former supports up to 384 passengers and has a maximum range of 8,730 nautical miles, whereas the latter supports up to 426 passengers and has a maximum range of 7,285 nautical miles.
#4) Folding Wingtips
Perhaps one of the most notable features of the 777X is its folding wingtips. It uses wings similar to those found in the 787 — only with less sweep. The tips of the wings, however, can fold up and down. The 777X is the first commercial jet to have folding wingtips. The purpose of its folding wingtips is to improve the jet’s maneuverability on runways. As previously mentioned, the 777X is the world’s largest twin-engine jet. With its massive size, it consumes a significant amount of space on the tarmac. Folding wingtips, however, make the 777X smaller and easier to maneuver while on the runway. At the same time, folding wingtips make the 777X more efficient during flight.
#5) $400 Million Plus Price Tag
Being that it’s the world’s largest twin-engine jet, as well as its fuel-efficient properties, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that the 777X comes at a hefty price. On Boeing’s website, the American manufacturing giant lists the 777X at a price of over $400 million. According to Boeing, the 777-8 variant costs $410.2 million, while the larger 777-9 variant costs $442.2 million.
