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The Boeing 777X series, a twinjet airliner, has evolved as the world's largest of its kind, bridging the gap between the Boeing 767 and Boeing 747. Initially developed to replace aging aircraft like the McDonnell Douglas DC-10s and Lockheed L-1011 TriStars, Boeing's new 777X variant is set to launch in 2026. Alongside the airliner, Boeing plans to introduce a 777X Freighter and the Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 777X. The BBJ 777X targets governments and private individuals for VIP transport, joining the ranks of successful predecessors like the BBJ 737 MAX, BBJ 787, and BBJ Select.
Tracing back to the 1980s, the original 777 concepts emerged as widebody airliners like the Boeing 747 and McDonnell Douglas DC-10 began their retirement phase. In response, Boeing initiated a clean-sheet design in the late 1980s. "The official program was developed with considerable input from a wide variety of existing airlines," said an industry expert. Among the airlines partnering with Boeing were All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and United Airlines.
The 777 was a pioneer in utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) and fly-by-wire flight controls. Boeing's largest commercial product, it is powered by engines from General Electric, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce. The Boeing 777 has become one of the most produced widebody airliners, with the 777-200 being the initial model designed for U.S. domestic airlines. Its advancements, such as the 777-200ER and 777-200LR Worldliner, further extended its reach and capacity.
