Over time, rising maintenance expenses and fuel prices have made it difficult for airlines to justify keeping older models like the 777-200LR in service. Newer aircraft offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions—factors that are increasingly important as sustainability becomes central to airline operations.
United Airlines is reportedly considering the Airbus A350 to replace aging Boeing 777s due to its improved fuel economy and reduced maintenance needs. Delta Air Lines has already retired its entire fleet of 777s—including the -200LR—and replaced them with Airbus A330-900neos and A350s. These decisions align with a wider industry trend favoring modern twin-engine jets with improved economics on long-haul routes.
The primary successors to the Boeing 777-200LR are now the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing’s upcoming 777X series (specifically the 777-8 and 777-9). The A350-1000 is currently used by carriers such as Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Japan Airlines for long-range flights. According to Airbus data, this model can fly up to 8,700 nautical miles while seating between 350–410 passengers depending on configuration. It is powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines that Airbus describes as highly efficient.
Boeing’s new generation—the 777X—has not yet entered commercial service but aims to make an impact once operational. The largest variant (the 777-9) will carry up to 426 passengers with a range of over 7,285 nautical miles; meanwhile, the smaller but longer-range version (the 777-8) is expected to exceed an operational distance of approximately 8,700 nautical miles. One notable feature of these models is their folding wingtips—a design intended for aerodynamic efficiency without requiring changes at airport gates.
However, delays have affected delivery timelines for these new aircraft. Emirates President Tim Clark stated: “Emirates has had to make significant and highly expensive amendments to our fleet programs as a result of Boeing’s multiple contractual shortfalls, and we will be having a serious conversation with them over the next couple of months.”
Recent airline decisions highlight this transition away from older models: Japan Airlines began retiring its first Boeing 777-300ERs in favor of Airbus A350-1000s starting in late 2024; Qantas selected the A350-1000 for Project Sunrise—its plan for direct Sydney-to-New York or London flights; Air India is returning leased Boeing 777-200LRs ahead of schedule as part of its shift toward newer fleets.
Not all retired passenger jets are being grounded permanently. DHL Express has ordered nine converted Boeing 777-200LR freighters from Jetran through Mammoth Freighters between now and late this decade—a move meant partly as an interim step before adopting newer wide-body cargo planes like the B777-8F or A350F. DHL commented: “This agreement is part of the overall sustainability priority to modernize DHL Express’ long-haul intercontinental fleet... Ordering converted freighters with a shorter useful life provides an efficient bridge between current and new airframe technologies.”
As airlines adapt their fleets for greater economic viability and environmental responsibility, aircraft such as the Airbus A350-1000 and upcoming Boeing 777X represent what comes next after the era-defining Worldliner.
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