#ukmfg #aerospace #aviation The Boeing board has given the green light to offer airlines the proposed new 777X wide-body jet, which means key decisions on where to build its wings and assemble it are just months away. Boeing spokeswoman Karen Crabtree said: “We’ve made great progress in our development work and we are beginning to discuss additional technical, pricing and schedule details with customers regarding 777X.”
The jet, a bigger version of the current 777, will feature new engines and a carbon-fibre composite plastic wing. According to a senior Boeing engineer, the company has proposed the longest wingspan it has ever built. Moreover, the wings will incorporate folding tips so that the jet can fit into airport gates. Industry reports put the proposed wing’s length at 233ft.
The current all-metal version of the 777 is built in Everett, Washington. For that reason most industry observers believe it’s very likely the new 777X will also be assembled there. One factor favouring Washington state is that the immense size of the wing may make it difficult to transport long distances.
That said, last week, Boeing CEO Jim McNerney insisted on leaving all options open. “Everett is doing one heck of a job right now building the current 777 model, and so it would obviously be an attractive place to consider for the assembly of the next 777 model.”
The step Boeing has now taken in the jet’s development phase, known as authority to offer, was widely anticipated from the latest board meeting. It means Boeing’s sales people can go ahead and negotiate tentative deals. “It’s clearly the next step in the marketplace,” said Ms Crabtree. “Boeing is targeting the 777X for entry into service for the end of this decade.”
Boeing putting the 777X on a fast development track is attributed to the fact that the rival Airbus A350-1000 has been gaining big orders this year.