Boeing postpones 777X again: wing-folding plane also loses many orders
Yet another delay for the Boeing 777X. The timeline has already undergone several changes over the years, with the [...]
One more delay for the Boeing 777X. The timeline has already undergone several changes over the years, with delivery postponed first to 2020, then to 2021, and shortly thereafter to 2022. But it doesn't end there. The recent release, in fact, postpones the date by another year: end of 2023.
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It was initially decided to postpone delivery because of production issues. This was compounded by the obvious obstacles generated by Covid-19. Having to deal with a pandemic obviously did not allow the original timeline to be met. Thus, this explains the repeated announcements regarding the time frame of 2021 to 2023.
Surprising, today, to think that the Boeing 777X was expected for a test flight in mid-2019. Issues with the GE9X (General Electric engines), however, have forced a postponement of just over six months, until early 2020. As these are the largest engines ever on board a commercial aircraft, the team faced a variety of obstacles, such as durability. Everything was supposed to be perfect for the certification process, but during a stress test a door gave way under pressure and blew up. The leap from 2020 to 2022, however, is not related to any technical issues. Considering the state of the travel industry, due to Covid-19, it came down to renegotiation with the airlines that would add the 777X to their fleet.
Why the 777X has been delayed until 2023
The statement released by Boeing concerning the 777X proposes three reasons why the aircraft will not be delivered on schedule. However, it is clear that the crucial impediment is the pandemic, which has literally transformed the entire industry.
Boeing, the memo explains, had to cope with new analysis regarding the impact the coronavirus had on the market. It also had to discuss again the agreements made with customers, which is in a completely different condition than when the pacts were made.
Discovering the 777X
The Boeing 777X is the new version of the 777, which will be offered in two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9. The planned size is far larger than the model currently available, as well as compared to the 787, certainly among Boeing's most popular offerings.
One of its main features is the folding wings, known as folding wingtips. Made of carbon fiber composite, they allow airlines to operate at any airport. All without forcing the companies in charge of managing the airports to step in to be able to make room for this specific model. The most significant benefit, however, is improved aerodynamics, achieved through reduced turbulence at the ends. Boeing has not released details of such a system, but we do know that the wing movement will be automatic. It will be activated on landing, about 20 seconds after reducing speed to less than 50 knots.
Once it reaches the market, the 777X could become the largest commercial aircraft of the next generation. A record that could stand for at least a decade, considering how there is no more room for theA380 and the 747-8 in the current industry, which has been transformed over the past year.
Many companies ready to make the 777X one of their flagship aircraft, and yet another postponement is certainly a blow, as well as lengthening the public's wait for the new models.
Just think of the fact that Emirates plans to install its new first class on board the 777X. As well as the Cathay Pacific will inaugurate new first and business class on these models. A plan that has now been delayed for many years, beyond 2025. New first class also coming to Singapore Airlines, while Lufthansa is at work on an innovative business class, following the acclaimed 2017 Skytrax award winner.
The U.S. manufacturer also put it in black and white in its year-end report that more than 100 orders have been canceled by airlines, and given the delay in deliveries, the number may increase, partly because the contract provides the option for carriers to cancel orders in the event of delays such as this.
All postponed until a later date. Any new projects will be evaluated from 2022 onward, after the first post-summer restart of the tourism industry has been drawn. Should the spread of vaccines around the world allow for a rapid return to normalcy by the end of 2021, while not totally throwing Covid-19 into oblivion, the big companies will be able to get back to serious and concrete focus on innovative projects.
