The new Boeing 777X jetliner completed its first flight on 25 January. The aircraft is based on the manufacturer’s 777 and features technologies from Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

The 777X took to the skies at Paine Field in Everett, Washington and landed at Seattle’s Boeing Field. The flight lasted three hours and 51 minutes and the aircraft will now enter the next phase of its rigorous test programme. The commercial twin-engine jet is expected to be delivered in 2021.

Cabin comfort

Boeing says the new 777X combines the best of the 777 and 787 Dreamliner cabins and provides new features including a wide, spacious cabin, large overhead bins that close easily for convenient access to their belongings, larger windows for a view from every seat, better cabin altitude and humidity, less noise and a smoother ride.

Boeing 777X Family

The 777X programme has won 340 orders and commitments from airlines such as ANA, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines. The programme includes the 777-8 and the 777-9 aircraft.

“The 777X flew beautifully, and today’s testing was very productive,” said 777/777X chief pilot for Boeing Test & Evaluation, captain Van Chaney. “Thank you to all the teams that made today possible. I can’t wait to go fly your aircraft again.”

Captain Chaney and Boeing chief pilot Craig Bomben worked through a detailed test plan to exercise the aircraft systems and structures while the test team in Seattle monitored the data in real time.

“Our Boeing team has taken the most successful twin-aisle jet of all time and made it even more efficient, more capable and more comfortable for all,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“Today’s safe first flight of the 777X is a tribute to the years of hard work and dedication from our teammates, our suppliers and our community partners in Washington state and across the globe.”

Find out more about Boeing Commercial Airplanes.