Boeing’s media pack has been working their Armani socks off at the Dubai Air Show, trumpeting the "record-breaking launch of the 777X".
Boeing this week announced commitments – worth about US$100 billion – for a total of 259 of the new fuel-efficient 777 jet, the largest combined order in its history.
Emirates whipped out the cheque book to order 150 of the new jet.
So what’s so special about the 777X?
Technical stuff aside, such as "a hybrid laminar flow control vertical tail and natural laminar flow nacelles", it’s inside the cabin that passengers will notice significant improvements.
For instance, the company will reposition and resize the windows to provide more ambient light inside and provide passengers with better views outside the cabin.
Two models comprise the 777X family – the 777-8X, with approximately 350 seats and a range capability of more than 9,300 nautical miles; and the 777-9X, with approximately 400 seats and a range of more than 8,200 nautical miles.
Emirates said the 777X would fly non-stop Rome to Sydney or Perth to London with a full payload.
The 777X is targeted for first delivery in 2020.
