Boeing ends production of popular long-haul jet as airlines await next-generation model

Production numbers reflect its popularity: Boeing delivered 833 units of the -300ER variant out of a total of 1,767 across all models in the 777 family. Emirates became its largest customer with more than 100 units still active.

In recent years, production slowed as Boeing shifted focus to developing and testing the next-generation 777X series. The last -300ER delivered before Altavair’s had been sent to Thai Airways in 2022. A small number of outstanding orders were either canceled or not fulfilled due to changing airline requirements and delays related to COVID-19 disruptions.

The GE90 engine played a crucial role in enabling extended range operations. It was succeeded by even more powerful engines like General Electric's GE9X, which is set to power future deliveries of the new 777X series.

Airlines favored the -300ER for three main reasons: high passenger capacity due to its stretched fuselage (up to nearly 400 seats), extended non-stop range capabilities, and lower per-seat operating costs compared with older four-engine jets.

Despite ongoing demand for long-range travel, Boeing ended production amid several challenges including development delays on new models and labor disputes such as a machinists’ strike on the US West Coast during late 2024 that affected output across multiple lines.

"According to ePlane AI, Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope announced that production had resumed across multiple lines in December 2024, the same month that the final -300ER was delivered. It was also announced that the company would be shifting to focus on the 777X program."

While new orders have ceased, many existing aircraft are expected to remain operational for years given their reliability and versatility on key international routes. As passenger traffic continues rising globally, airlines are likely to keep their fleets of these twin-engine widebodies flying well into future decades.