Boeing 777-X to be 'most fuel-efficient in history'

Following its recent launch and several major orders, Boeing has revealed a series of innovations on its new B777-X aircraft, which it claims will make it the “most fuel-efficient twin-engine commercial jetliner in aviation history”. The US planemaker launched the new wide-body aircraft at the Dubai Airshow, having taken orders for 259 B777-Xs – 150 from Emirates, 50 from Qatar Airways, 34 from Lufthansa and 25 from Etihad Airways. These airlines have been attracted to the new model by a range of performance enhancements that will significantly improve on the fuel-efficiency of the existing B777 series. Boeing has now revealed that the B777-X will be 12% more fuel-efficient than “its competitor” – meaning the new Airbus A350 – offering a 10% reduction in operating costs. This has been achieved through a series of innovations, including a new composite wing based on that developed for the B787 Dreamliner, a more aerodynamic tail section, and new engines developed by GE Aviation. “The 777X builds on the heritage of the 777-300ER and incorporates many advanced technologies designed for the 787 to create a new standard for wide-body airplanes. It will truly be a worthy successor to the 777-300ER,” said Scott Fancher, Boeing’s vice president and general manager for airplane development. The B777-X will come in two models – the B777-8X, with approximately 350 seats, and the B777-9X, with approximately 400 seats. The B777-8X will compete directly with the Airbus A350-1000, while Boeing says the B777-9X will be “in a class by itself”. Both these new models will be larger than the B787 Dreamliner series, including the new extended B787-10 model. “Both of these airplanes are about providing growth options and flexibility for our customers,” Fancher said. “The 777-9X fits in the heart of where we think the market will go.” And Boeing said it is exploring several new innovations to improve the passenger experience, including repositioned and resized the windows, and remodelled cabin interiors. The B777-X is expected to enter commercial service in 2020. Source: Travel Daily