Boeing announces 777X unveiling date
The first Boeing 777-9 test aircraft is currently having its finishing touches applied in the paint hangar and with this news comes Boeing’s announcement of the unveiling date.
Situated at their Everett facility in Washington, the aircraft will be unveiled to the world on the 13th of March, where it will be photographed and filmed by the company, its employees, plenty of media stations and large amounts of public spectators around the airport.
To cover the event, Boeing will be live streaming the roll out over their social media platforms, and for those after a more personal experience, Sam Chui will be attending the event as a guest, where his photos and videos will be published on this blog!
Powered by two General Electric GE9X engines capable of producing up to 105,000 pounds of thrust, the 777X family is the latest and largest family of twin engine aircraft in the world, with the ability to carry between 365 to 425 seats depending on whether the 777-8 or larger 777-9 is selected.
Building off the success of the 787 Dreamliner and 777, the 777-9 is stated to offer a 12% lower fuel consumption than competing air planes, however this figure is subject to the complex marketing Airbus and Boeing have adopted.
Recently Lufthansa disclosed their first 777-9 has started assembly and they have been sharing photos frequently on their social media. You can read more about this here:
British Airways is the latest airline to select the Boeing 777-9 for their future widebody aircraft, placing an order for up to 42 aircraft in a deal worth $18.6 billion, if the 24 options are taken after the initial order for 18 is confirmed.
Their order brings Boeing’s total order book for the 777X to 358 orders, with commitments from eight customers around the world. The first flight is scheduled to take place this year, with the flight test campaign setting the first delivery for 2020.