Boeing ends production of best-selling twin-aisle jet as market shifts

The original 777 program began in response to airlines’ requests for a long-range twin-engine aircraft capable of carrying significant passenger loads at lower costs than four-engine jets. Development started in the early 1990s with input from eight international carriers: All Nippon Airways, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and United Airlines. Their feedback influenced design choices ranging from cabin layout to cockpit controls.

Boeing’s use of computer-aided design (CAD) software on the 777 project was a first for its commercial aircraft lineup and helped streamline production by reducing errors and rework.

The first Boeing 777 rolled out in April 1994 and made its maiden flight two months later. United Airlines took delivery of the initial model in May 1995 and introduced it into service shortly afterward between London Heathrow and Washington Dulles airports.

Since then, over 1,750 Boeing 777s have been delivered worldwide across all variants. Emirates is currently the largest operator with a fleet of 140 aircraft; other major operators include United Airlines (96), Qatar Airways (92), American Airlines (67), Air France (64), British Airways (59), FedEx Express (59), Cathay Pacific (52), and Korean Air (46).

In response to airline demands for longer range and higher efficiency in the late 1990s, Boeing developed second-generation models: the 777-300ER and the ultra-long-range 777-200LR. These featured structural improvements and new General Electric GE90 engines—the most powerful turbofans built at that time.

The introduction of fly-by-wire flight controls marked another technological advancement for the series; however, Boeing retained traditional yokes instead of adopting sidestick controllers found on some competitors’ models.

As production shifts away from older variants like the 777-300ER, Boeing is preparing to introduce the next-generation 777X family. The upcoming model will feature composite wings with folding wingtips for improved aerodynamics while maintaining compatibility with existing airport gates. It will also be powered by GE’s new GE9X engine.

Despite development delays affected by technical challenges and global events such as COVID-19, Boeing plans to bring the new widebody jet into service soon as airlines look to renew their fleets with more efficient options.