Boeing begins 777-8 Freighter production

Washington DC: About 100 teammates at the 777X Composite Spar Shop in Everett, Washington, cheered Monday as Casey McDowell operated the controls to drill the first hole into a wing spar for the 777-8 Freighter.

The new newest member of the Boeing 777X family, the 777-8 Freighter will be the world’s largest and most capable twin-engine freighter, with the highest payload and lowest operating cost per tonne of any large freighter and 30% better fuel efficiency and emissions than the airplanes it will replace.

“You don’t forget these moments,” McDowell said. “Having our team together as we got underway on this airplane was special.”

Boeing launched the 777-8 Freighter in January 2022 with an order of up to 50 from Qatar Airways, the largest freighter commitment by value in Boeing history. Today, the 777-8 Freighter has 59 firm orders from world-class operators, including ANA, Cargolux, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Silk Way West.

As the market leader in freighter airplanes, Boeing provides more than 90% of the worldwide freighter capacity. From vaccines to electronics to fresh food and more, freighters allow for the efficient transport of high-value, time-critical goods around the world. 

Market

The 2025 Boeing Commercial Market Outlook projects a 67% increase in the global freighter fleet by 2044, including approximately 885 large widebody freighters such as the new 777-8 Freighter and 777 Freighter. 

Many operators will be looking to replace aging 747-400 Freighters later this decade. With nearly identical payload and range capabilities, 30% better fuel efficiency and emissions, 25% better operating costs per tonne and a 60% smaller noise footprint, the 777-8 Freighter will be the ideal choice. 

The airplane also will provide additional lift across the three growing air cargo sectors. Lower-density express carriers will value its superior volume, and its superior payload will benefit higher-density, general market carriers.