Gallery: Boeing 777X Timeline Of Program Progression

Debuting at the Singapore Airshow, the 777-9 is the first member of Boeing’s flagship 777X program which is aimed at replacing the 777-300ER and 747-400 while competing with the A350-1000. Incorporating the 777-8, 777-9 and most recently the 777-8F freighter, the program was launched in 2013 and targeted initial entry into service in 2020. However, it has been beset by delays along the way including early development challenges with the all-composite wing and the all-new GE9X engines. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the industry hard, and this new aircraft program was no exception. The beleaguered manufacturer also had to navigate intense regulatory scrutiny following the fatal accidents involving the Boeing 737 MAX, but now hopes to start deliveries in late 2023. Here is a timeline charting the aircraft programs' development and progression. 

Boeing is setting out its stall for airline orders for the "proposed reengined, reimagined, rewinged 777X, following the board's approval of the overall design and program plans. The major versions of the 777X are to be "exclusively" powered by General Electric. The new engine will be known as the GE9X. Boeing had rejected proposals from Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney.

In this article, Guy Norris reported that Boeing had selected two suppliers for key elements of the 777X avionics system. The 777X's Integrated Surveillance System (ISS) will include Rockwell Collins's MultiScan weather radar, traffic collision and avoidance, and terrain awareness and warning system. Rockwell Collins also won the flight control module portion of the aircraft's fly-by-wire system, built by BAE Systems.

This image shows a stringer for one of the first 777X wings undergoing "nondestructive inspection" inside Boeing's Composite Wing Center. The article discusses how Boeing is preparing to assemble the first new generation 777-9. From the official launch of the 777X in 2013, to the building of the $1 billion Composite Wing Center "where the skin and bones of the first in-house, large-scale nonmetallic wings are formed, the process of crafting the company's new high-capacity flagship, culminates with final assembly later this year."

Writer Guy Norris reveals that Boeing assembles the left-hand wings before working on the right. He also touches on issues centered on the details of the assembly process.

Final flight tests of GE Aviation’s GE9X turbofan were completed on the company’s 747-400 flying testbed ahead of the engine’s first flight in the summer of 2019 on the Boeing 777-9, the initial version of the aircraft manufacturer’s new 777X twinjet series.

The first flight of the 777X was a success despite a two-day delay due to bad weather. Initial tests showed trouble-free operation of folding wingtips.

The caption accompanying this image explains that the aircraft is "clearly distinguished by its folding wingtips". We also learn that this is the fifth 777-9 to be built on the main 777 production line and it sits alongside 777F freighters under assembly.

Guy Norris writes that the flagship is crucial to the manufacturers business strategy that it is "primed for a smooth delivery rampup by late 2023. The process has been challenging due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this article, we learnt that the Boeing 777X was set to debut at the Dubai Airshow and how the aircraft is approaching the show still awaiting FAA approval to start formal type certification testing. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the delay, along with the regulatory scrutiny in the wake of the fatal 737 MAX accidents.

Revised 777X -family plan leverages air cargo boom and seeks to expand 777-8 interest with marginal capacity increase.

The Boeing 777X was seen at an Asia-Pacific air show for the first time, joining the flying display at the Singapore Airshow 2022. The certification process will begin after the show and expected to last through May.