The Boeing 777X is set to take flight for the first time this morning in Seattle. The enlarged version of the 777 features the world’s largest jet engine, the GE9X, and new composite wings with folding wingtips, among other improvements.
Playback the 777X’s first flight
Click on the image below to see playback of the 777X’s first flight. 777-9 N779XW completed the nearly four hour first flight above Washington. The 777X took to the air at 18:09 UTC (10:09 local time) and landed 3 hours 51 minutes later at 22:00 UTC (14:00 local time). Before landing at Boeing Field, the 777X completed a customary photo pass around Mt Rainier.
About the 777X
The first flight was conducted by N779XW, a 777-9 variant. Boeing will build two versions, the 777-8 and 777-9. The larger 777-9 is designed to accommodate up to 426 passengers in a two-class configuration with a range of 13,500 km (7,285 nmi). The slightly smaller 777-8 will carry up to 326 passengers in a two-class configuration, but with an increased range of 16,170 km (8,730 nmi).
The 777X’s wingspan is 8 meters longer than the 777-300ER, but Boeing designed it to fit gates capable of handling existing 777s by adding folding wingtips.
The 777X also features the world’s largest jet engine, the General Electric GE9X. Developed specifically for the 777X, the GE9X builds on the GE90 engine that powers current models of the 777.
After first flight the 777X will continue a course of flight tests toward certification of the aircraft. The 777X is expected to enter service with launch customer Emirates in 2021.
