Quantcast

Potential ultra-long-haul routes identified for future Boeing 777X operations

Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
Global Airline Industry Revenues Forecast To Top $1 Trillion For First Time In 2025
EasyJet to launch six new routes from the UK next year with £24 flights
Here's Why Analysts Say It's a Good Time to Buy Airline Stocks
A No-Frills Airline Is Getting Into the Premium Game
TAKING OFF: Major airline introduces new inflight service rules with less time to order your drinks
2 Delta flight attendants fail breathalyzer test before flight to JFK
EasyJet reveals plans for new flights from regional UK airport next summer
Airlines not switching quickly enough to green jet fuel, study says
Alaska Airlines tech issue briefly grounds planes in Seattle, disrupts bookings on Cyber Monday
US Senate panel criticizes rising airline seat fees, will call execs to testify
Spirit’s Demise Is a Lesson in ‘Airline-o-nomics’
Inside BA’s new first-class suites: £800 an hour for most private seat
Focus: US airline flight crews confident and angry as unions seek richer contracts
Hawaiian Airlines Eliminates Widebody Route Amid Alaska Airlines Merger
US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems?
Delta CEO says the Trump administration will reverse government ‘overreach’ seen under Biden
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy: How will it affect your travel plans?
British Airways yet to identify cause of latest IT meltdown
Delta Airlines Will Start Serving Shake Shack Cheeseburgers Next Month
United Sees Nearly 30% Surge in Travel to European Christmas Markets
Budget airline Israir to launch flights between Israel and NY, ending wartime monopoly by flagship carrier El Al
Asia's airlines blame supply chain woes for disrupted operations
Qantas and Qatar Airways: Planned partnership in the Australian aviation industry under the microscope
Spirit Airlines delays release of Q3 financial results as debt restructuring talks heat up
Potential ultra-long-haul routes identified for future Boeing 777X operations
Policy
Webp a3
CEO Kelly Ortberg | Boeing

Boeing's 777X, a new widebody aircraft currently under development, is expected to have a significant impact on long-haul aviation. The aircraft has faced multiple delays since its launch in 2013 and first test flight in 2020. Industry observers now expect the first delivery to take place in 2027. The two main variants are the 777-8, with a range of 8,745 nautical miles (16,196 km), and the 777-9, which can fly up to 7,285 nautical miles (13,492 km).

The following are some of the longest routes that the Boeing 777X could potentially serve once it enters commercial operation:

Sydney to New York (8,646 nautical miles/16,012 km) is one of the most anticipated ultra-long-haul routes. Qantas has targeted this city pair as part of its Project Sunrise initiative but chose the Airbus A350-1000 over the 777X due to its earlier availability and operational reliability. "Qantas expects to receive its first A350 in 2026." Currently, Qantas operates Sydney–New York flights using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with a stopover in Auckland.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Chicago to Singapore (8,131 nautical miles/15,059 km) could be possible with the introduction of the 777X. However, neither United Airlines nor American Airlines—major carriers at Chicago O'Hare—have ordered the aircraft. Singapore Airlines has ordered only the shorter-range 777-9 variant and currently uses its Airbus A350-900ULR for similar ultra-long-haul routes.

São Paulo to Mumbai (7,431 nautical miles/13,762 km) would link two major cities across continents. Air India has ten Boeing 777-9s on order but would need to opt for the longer-range 777-8 variant for nonstop service between these cities.

Dubai to Los Angeles (7,246 nautical miles/13,419 km) is already served daily by Emirates' Airbus A380 fleet. Emirates plans to replace its aging A380s with more modern aircraft including the Boeing 787 and both variants of the 777X. The airline currently holds orders for a total of 205 Boeing 777Xs.

Tokyo to Panama City (7,309 nautical miles/13,534 km) is another potential route exceeding current capabilities for most airlines operating out of Japan or Panama. All Nippon Airways has ordered twenty Boeing 777-9s but their range falls just short of what would be required for this route.

Singapore to New York (8,283 nautical miles/15,340 km) is already operated by Singapore Airlines using specially modified Airbus A350-900ULR aircraft configured for premium seating only. This route is currently recognized as one of the world’s longest nonstop flights.

Sydney to São Paulo (7,228 nautical miles/13,383 km) would represent a first-ever direct link between Australia and Brazil if launched. At present there are no nonstop flights between these countries; travelers typically connect via Santiago or other South American hubs.

While many of these routes remain speculative until certification and delivery milestones are met for the Boeing 777X program—and subject to decisions by airlines regarding fleet renewal—the aircraft's extended range could open up new possibilities for direct intercontinental travel.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025