Boeing unveils 777X cabin features

Boeing is set to roll the first 777X test aircraft out of the hangar very soon, and not only do they plan on shocking the world with its size and capability, but also with its interior.

Although we’ve already seen photos of the aircraft in the hangar and being pieced together by hundreds of skilled engineers, seeing the finished product outside is a major milestone for the company.

The aircraft, which is the larger 777-9 variant, will contain the typical test equipment and stations for flight-test engineers, however the final passenger cabin renderings for the aircraft have been unveiled.

 

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Boeing has unveiled the cabin for the 777X! Although only renderings at this point, the images highlight some key features. Window wise, the 777X will have the largest windows of any aircraft at 162 inches squared. Additionally, they’ll be placed higher for optimal viewing. Just like the 787, they’ll be dimmable, however will react twice as fast. Overhead lockers are much bigger to accommodate for the 350-425 passengers onboard. Unlike the 787 however, the 777x will feature a bleed system, meaning cabin air will come from the engines. Despite this, Boeing states the cabin air will be clean and comfortable with additional humidity. For more on the 777X cabin, check out my article on Sam Chui’s website. Photos @boeing #aviation #aviationphotography #aviationphoto #plane #airlines_daily #aviaserver #planespotter #airlinestv #instaaviation #aviationtopia #airliners #futureaviator #aviation_pub #aviation4u #aviationlovers #aviationpictures #avgeek #aviationworld #planespotting #spotter #jetphotography

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The extensive effort to revolutionize cabin design with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has been carried over to the 777X, which features improvements and new additions.

Windows

As a passenger, the one thing you hope for is a good window view if you like window seats. The 777X will enhance this experience with its enormous windows, which are bigger than the windows found on the 787, 777 and Airbus A350. Additionally, they’re also higher up, allowing for views that don’t require you to bend your head down or lean back at an uncomfortable angle.

The following table compares window sizes of the Airbus A350, Boeing 777 and 777X:

Aircraft	Window Size
Boeing 777X	162 in2
Boeing 777	140 in2
Airbus A350	125 in2

Additionally, the windows are the same electronically dimmable ones on the 787, which have gained mixed reviews from passengers, mainly because of their lack of complete blocking ability and control over flight attendants.

The Gentex electronically dimmable windows on the 777X are an improved model over the 787. Flight attendants will still maintain control of the cabin, however the windows will react twice as fast and will block 99.999% of visible light according to Gentex, all while you’re still able to see the scenery outside.

Cabin Design and Features

Boeing has also been working on some cabin features that will not only make flying more comfortable, but also easier to manage, which is especially important when the aircraft will be carrying 350-425 passengers depending on what variant is chosen and the configuration the airline opts for.

Bringing large baggage onboard is an increasing trend for travelers as it allows them to remove baggage collection from the list of tasks to complete, but what exactly do you do to accommodate such a large increase in carry on? Size up the overhead bins of course!

With a steeper angled face, Boeing is able to retain the feeling of a larger cabin while at the same time increase the depth of the bin, allowing for suitcase-like bags to be stowed away with enough space for everyone in the cabin, even if there is no bins along the center, as seen in this image:

The windows and overhead bin design all make a spacious and welcoming environment and it’s all thanks to the wider cabin which was made possible using new insulation and thinner wall fittings. A significant noise reduction is thanks to the highly-advanced General Electric GEnx engines which were recently installed. Boeing decided to eliminate the engine chevrons on the 777X for unknown reasons, however it is known that despite their aid in reducing noise, they add drag.

You can read about the installation of the engines here:

Boeing installs engines on 777X flight test aircraft

The ceilings are clean, open and feature the same LED mood lighting that we’ve come to expect on most modern aircraft these days, however positioned differently to make use of the new curves. Above each row of seating are individual air vents which, along with the cabin ventilation system, provide clean and comfortable air. However, unlike the 787, the 777X will feature a bleed-air system from the engines.

Shown below is economy class, which, from what’s visible in the image, features a standard looking seat pitch and windows at every row. This image also provides a good representation of the overhead bin sizes compared to the seats.

Entertainment screens will be of the latest generation and by the looks of the image, feature larger displays of HD quality.

Regarding layout, it’s highly likely that most airlines will opt for a 3-4-3 layout in economy. No visual information is available for premium economy, which is proving to be a very competitive position in the airline industry.

For a comparison of various premium economy products, see this article:

The 5 Best and Worst Premium Economy Products

The renderings of the cabin features are the tip of the iceberg for the 777X. Like the original 777, Boeing sought after the feedback and ideas of potential customers. The ability to continually upgrade the cabin and have a good selection of suppliers is what allows such elegant cabins to be produced, no matter the airline.

However, this begs a very important question: Will this large selection of suppliers cause issues for manufacturing? Multiple customer choosing different products will mean specialty installation per cabin.

Avionics

Don’t like turbulence? The Boeing 777x has you covered with the latest generation of Smoother Ride Technology. Introduced on the 787 Dreamliner, Smoother Ride Technology is like the stability control system in your car. When the aircraft enters a patch of unpleasant air, hundreds of sensors detect the changes and feed the data to special computers that tell the flight controls what to do, ultimately reducing the pitching, rolling and yawing movements felt by the passengers.

As well as the Smoother Ride Technology being developed off the 787, the 777x will also feature a common cockpit and type-rating, allowing pilots to fly both. Additionally, the 777X will feature touch screens to enter and change flight data as well as a special folding wing switch on the overhead panel.

Success of the Mighty Triple Seven

Recently achieving over 2000 orders, it’s no doubt that the 777 has been a huge success. Boeing aims to continue this with the 777X, but will they be able to? It offers a 12% less fuel burn and 10% less operating cost figure compared to the competition, but ultimately it’s based off an architecture from the original 777 days.

Did the success of the 737 MAX and A320neo convince Boeing that a design update would do the job. 340 orders have been logged by the company by major customers including Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Lufthansa, Qatar and more, which is considered to be quite good considering the aircraft hasn’t flown yet.

What makes the 777X so interesting is it’s proven to capture the attention of the entire aviation industry. Is it because of the folding wing tips? Possibly, but perhaps because of its size and capability. The 777x is the birth of a new era of aircraft: Twin-engine, very-large aircraft.