British Airways 777x

New aircraft will reach British Airways by 2022, ahead of the planned retirement date of 2023 for the 747. The Boeing 777X is the world’s largest single deck jet, with wings so large they must fold during taxi. In addition, the GE-9X engines are so large, you could fit a Boeing 737 in them. The order, for the state-of-the-art Boeing 777-9 jets (a variant of the 777X), will mainly be used to replace British Airways’ fleet of long-haul 747 jumbos, which the airline said it would phase. The selection by IAG and British Airways raises the order and commitment count for the 777X to 358. Production of the first 777-9 began in 2017. Boeing plans a rollout ceremony for the airplane in early March, followed by first flight later this year and first delivery in 2020.

International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, is committing to a purchase of up to 42 Boeing 777X aircraft, with 18 of them being firm commitments. The purchase is valued at approximately $18.6 billion at list prices. Once finalized, it will appear on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries site.

The purchase is aimed at replacing the Boeing 747, a four-engine aircraft that is being phased out of passenger service in many airlines around the world. With the 777X, British Airways will be able to obtain better cost efficiencies of up to 30% compared to the Boeing 747 currently in service.

British Airways has one of the largest fleets in the airline industry with about 275 aircraft in service and serves over 160 destinations. The airline is undergoing a fleet modernization to improve service across its network. Recently, investments include the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to replace medium-size jets.

British Airways 777x

Currently, there are nearly 60 Boeing 777 aircraft flying for British Airways. Last year, British Airways committed to four additional Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The new 777Xs will increase the airline’s already substantial 777 fleet.

Compared to current Boeing 777s, the 777X has a cabin that is slightly wider. In a two-class arrangement, 400-425 passengers can be seated. The cabin helps improve the passenger experience with the wider cabin, new lighting, better cabin altitude, improved humidity levels, and reduced sound. To achieve increased efficiencies for the operator, the 777X borrows technology from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Paired with a brand new composite wing design with folding wingtips, the 777X offers nearly 12% less fuel consumption than other aircraft in its class.

With the announcement from IAG and British Airways, the Boeing 777X is currently at 358 orders and commitments. The first 777X began production in 2017 and the first flight is planned for later 2019. Airlines are expected to receive aircraft starting in 2020.

British Airways 777x Class

International Airways Group (IAG), British Airways’ parent company, has signed a deal with Boeing for up to of 42 Boeing 777X Airplanes. British Airways will use the new aircraft to modernize a major part of its long-haul fleet.

British Airways 777x Order

British Airways 777x

The order includes including 18 orders and 24 options. The airline will receive the longer Boeing 777-9, who will debut next month as the largest and most efficient twin-engine passenger jet in the world. According to Boeing’s press release, the value of the order will be around $18.6 billion.

“The new 777-9 is the world’s most fuel-efficient longhaul aircraft and will bring many benefits to British Airways’ fleet. It’s the ideal replacement for the 747 and its size and range will be an excellent fit for the airline’s existing network,” said Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive. “This aircraft will provide further cost efficiencies and environmental benefits with fuel cost per seat improvements of 30 per cent compared to the 747. It also provides an enhanced passenger experience.”

British Airways has been modernizing its fleet – one of the largest in the airline industry – to more efficiently serve its extensive global route network. In recent years, the airline has introduced the super-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner family to replace medium-sized widebody jets. The new 777-9 will replace British Airways’ larger widebody airplanes, mainly the four-engine 747 jumbo jet.

Seatguru British Airways 777

In ordering the 777-9, British Airways extends a long-running relationship with the popular 777 family. The airline is one of the largest 777 operators in the world with a fleet of nearly 60 of the long-range jet. The airline last year committed to four more 777-300ER (Extended Range) jets via operating lease.

“British Airways is one of the most iconic international carriers, now in its 100th year of connecting the world with its impressive route network. We are honored that British Airways has selected the 777X as part of its fleet for its next century,” said Kevin McAllister, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Together with the 787 Dreamliner, we are excited for the 777X to help British Airways build on its incredible legacy. The 777-9, in particular, simply has no competitor in its class when it comes to efficiency and performance. It is the right-sized airplane for British Airways to efficiently serve long-range routes with heavy passenger demand.”

British Airways introduced the Boeing 777 in 1995 with the delivery of the first Boeing 777-200. Currently, the British airline already has 58 Boeing 777 in their fleet, who will be increased to 62 with 4 Boeing 777-300ER. With IAG’s new order included, the Boeing 777X has 358 orders and commitments from eight customers. Production of the 777X began in 2017, with first flight planned for this year and first delivery expected in 2020.

Featured image by Boeing