Boeing makes revisions to 777X-8 model

Boeing has made revisions to the technical specifications of the 777X-8 model, resulting in an elongated aircraft that has consequently increased its passenger capacity and range.

As of now, Boeing’s product page for the 777X aircraft family, encompassing both the 777X-8 and 777X-9 variants, indicates that the 777X-8 can accommodate 395 passengers in a typical two-class arrangement, covering distances of up to 8,745 nautical miles (16,190 kilometers). The aircraft’s length measures 232 feet and 6 inches (70.86 meters).

In contrast, the previous data, accessible via the Wayback Machine archives, showed that the 777X-8 typically seated 384 passengers and had a range of up to 8,730 NM (16,170 km), with an aircraft length of 229 feet (69.79 meters). Notably, Boeing adjusted the aircraft’s length in January 2023.

The change in specifications was initially observed by Max Kingsley-Jones, a Senior Consultant at Cirium.

In comparison, the larger 777X-9 variant can typically accommodate 426 passengers in a two-class layout and fly distances of up to 7,285 NM (13,500 km). Its length is nearly 20 feet greater than the 777X-8, measuring 251 feet and 9 inches (76.72 meters).

However, Boeing has encountered challenges in selling the passenger version of the 777X-8. Out of a total of 383 commitments, only 24 pertain to the 777X-8, with Emirates placing an order for 16, and Etihad Airways committing to eight aircraft of this type, based on data from ch-aviation.com.

In June 2023, Emirates placed an order for 16 777X aircraft, as indicated by Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries records for the month, leading to speculation that the airline might have expanded its order to the 777X-9. As of June 30, 2023, there were a total of 318 firm orders for the 777X, according to Boeing’s orders data.

Emirates President Tim Clark expressed his frustration at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in June 2023 over Boeing’s delay in introducing the aircraft, now scheduled to follow the 777X-8F, the freighter version of the 777X-8. Nevertheless, Clark still regarded the twin-aisle jet as a “very good aircraft.”

Regarding Emirates’ order, a spokesperson mentioned the airline’s commitment to 115 aircraft of this type but did not specify the breakdown between the 777X-8 and 777X-9.

Should Emirates indeed modify its order, there would remain only eight orders for the passenger version of the 777X-8, while the 777X-8F had 55 orders, and the 777X-9 had 304 orders.

Boeing’s Q2 2023 results indicated that the first delivery of the 777X-9 is expected in 2025, while the first delivery of the 777X-8F is projected for 2027.

As of June 30, 2023, Boeing has recorded abnormal costs of $587 million related to the 777X program, with an anticipated total abnormal costs bill of approximately $1 billion until the resumption of aircraft type production later in 2023. Previously, Boeing had planned to recommence production of the 777X in 2024.

David Calhoun, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Boeing, noted during the Q2 2023 results call that there had been no additional progress in the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) certification of the 777X, but the company aims to proactively address production challenges.