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BOEING’S 777X IS BEING READIED FOR ITS MAIDEN FLIGHT

Geoffrey Thomas

Boeing has rolled out the second 777X as it AA&A was given special access to the production line and walk-
readies the aircraft for its first flight, which is ing around the 777-9X you are overwhelmed by the giant jet. It
expected this late this month, possibly during is massive. The larger windows are also apparent as is the huge
the Paris Air Show. Inside the factory, the 3rd size of the GE G9X engines. The driving force behind the 777X is
and 4th 777X-9s are complete and the first Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, whose airline is the lead buyer
two production aircraft for Emirates are under with an order for 150. Sir Tim describes the 777X as “an absolute
construction. The first Emirates 777-9X sports peach” but expresses some reservations to AA&A about a possible
the “777X logo” on the folding wingtip, while delivery slip.
the second sports the airline’s tail logo design.
Key to his enthusiasm is the aircraft’s economics and greater space
Boeing will not comment on the status of the — it is 20 per cent more efficient per seat than the industry’s long-
flight test programme and while some slippage time benchmark the 777-300ER and its cabin is wider with bigger
is apparent observers tell Asian Airlines and windows. The Boeing 777X combines the best features of the
Aerospace that it may not impact the overall current 777 with a longer fuselage, new engine and the composite
delivery. At a Bernstein investor conference in wing design from the Boeing 787. The 777-9X seats more than
late May, Boeing told delegates that the “777X
is still planned for 2020 delivery.”

Boeing Chairman and CEO Dennis Muilenburg
said that Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
work on the 737 MAX is not impacting 777X
certification, although it is possible that there
could be process changes. In a special report
Bernstein said that “the 777X was described
as on schedule, with a decision on the NMA
– or 797 also in the 12 months. Insiders also
tell AA&A that one of the pacing items is the
GE9X engine with Boeing waiting for more
data. However, on May 31, Paine Airport @mat-
tcawby reported that the first engine run up
occurred on the 777X and a day later a trailing
cone was attached to 777-9 WH001, with “taxi
tests” appearing to “be imminent.”
Inside Story

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