In my previous post, I was talking about possible long-haul flights from Salt Lake City. Some of those flights could be done via the new Boeing 777 planes. That is what we are going to be talking about today. 

Some History

For three decades, the Boeing 777 has been the workhorse of long-haul travel, connecting continents nd carrying millions of passengers. Well, even the legends have to be upgraded. Let’s talk about the upgrade. 

Upgrade 

So they took the old and redesigned it into the larger 777-9 and the ultra-long-range 777-8. What is so special about these new planes, well: 

• GE9X engines 
• Dreamliner-inspired Comfort
• Folding wingtips.
  • You did read that right. 

Let’s break down each of these items. 

Engines 

For these massive planes to fly, it is no easy task. GE built the world’s largest commercial jet engines. Yes, the largest ever made. It is the General Electric GE9X.

If you take a look at the 737 and look at the fuselage, that is about how big this engine is. So pretty big. It is very fuel efficient and quieter. 

You can’t beat that. 

Comfort 

Boeing did something right; they integrated some popular passenger features from the 787 Dreamliner. Yes, they added larger windows, a wider cabin, a lower cabin altitude for less jet lag, and advanced humidity controls. All these add up to a refreshed flying experience, even on the longest flights. 

Wing Tips 

The wings are incredibly long, which helps with superior fuel efficiency, but they wouldn’t fit in the standard airport gates. So, what did they do? Well, they made the 11-foot outermost part of each wing fold. Yes, they fold upwards after landing, and it helps navigate airports with ease. 

They say it’s like watching a real-life Transformer!! Now that would be cool to see an actual Transformer. 

Fly on one

Well, in 2027 passengers are generally expected to begin boarding the 777-9 for commercial flights. It looks like Lufthansa got the first production standard in April 2026. 

Not sure about the 777-8, but it should be at some point 

Finally 

Now this has been in progress for over 12 years. Yes, you read this right. Over 12 years. It was supposed to enter commercial service in 2020. But a lot of things happened starting in 2019. Some crashes and that 19 thing. So this was put on the back burner. The 777X program was really put under the microscope for certification.

That is a 7-year delay. 

777-10

There is talk about an even larger variant of the 777X series. Emirates is looking for a high-capacity twin-engine jet. They want to replace the A380. This will be a stretch version of the 777-9. Making it longer. Right now, there isn’t a firm decision about building it. However, if you build it, Emirates will buy it. 

Future

Yes, right now the 777X family looks like the future of global travel, with the promise of greater efficiency, expanded range, and enhanced passenger comfort. 

Thoughts

Yes, I am excited to fly on this plane. I am a bit older, and I am just starting my traveling journey. I haven’t been on the old 777 family, but I would like to compare both of them. 

I am looking forward to seeing the foldable wingtips. That should be wild. 

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