Aviation

Exploring the Boeing 777x: Highlights from the Debut at Wings India

Boeing unveiled its Boeing 777x at Wings India for the first time after securing an order from India. We were thrilled to receive a warm welcome during our visit to Boeing at Wings India and had several inquiries.

During our tour with Jetline Marvel, we explored the Boeing 777x, delving into its interior cabin and inspecting the aircraft’s exterior. The Boeing staff at Wings India were exceptionally friendly.

As we strolled around the aircraft at Wings India, we noted its massive landing gears, reminiscent of those on the Boeing 777-300er. However, these were connected with new devices inside the brakes and an enhanced version of landing gears. An orange-colored wire was linked to various sensors located on the landing gears, displaying the aircraft system for testing and ensuring reliability.

Moving on to the wings, we observed the impressive wing structure made predominantly of composite materials, marking it as the largest wing for any commercial aircraft ever built.

Notably, the Boeing 777x boasts a wing-tip folding option, similar to the wing-folding feature found in the Fighter jet F18 aircraft. This innovation allows the aircraft to be efficiently parked on flight decks, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

Experimental aircraft

The tail wing of the Boeing 777x is equipped with cameras positioned in the middle, providing views of the landing gears and other critical areas during emergencies. Additionally, a camera is fitted just before the nose landing gear for continuous aircraft monitoring.

Entering the aircraft, we discovered a comfortably cool interior with minimal seating. The focus was on instrumentation and equipment arranged for monitoring the aircraft’s flight conditions, with some seats strategically placed in different surrounding areas.

The aircraft is equipped with ballistic water tanks to balance weight ratios during flights. b777 vs b747 tanks are located both inside the cabin and at the front portion, ensuring optimal balance throughout the aircraft.

a350 vs 777

In comparison to the boeing 777 vs airbus a350, the Boeing 777 features windows that are notably larger in size, providing passengers with an expanded and more panoramic view of the surroundings during the flight.

Boeing 777x has a Larger window

The Boeing 777X boasts larger windows compared to the Airbus A350, providing passengers with enhanced views, as evident in the accompanying image. Boeing asserts that these windows offer more expansive views than those of competing aircraft. According to reliable sources, these windows will feature an Automatic Brightness System, similar to the one found in the Boeing 787 aircraft.

Boeing 777x Engine

The Boeing 777x engine has set a world record, generating an impressive 134,300 pounds of thrust, capable of lifting a colossal 351.5-tonne aircraft with its twin engines. General Electric (GE) embraced the challenge of constructing such a massive-scale engine, surpassing the size of any other aircraft engine, a necessity to accommodate the substantial payload capacity.

Boeing 777x can 550 passengers

According to the Boeing team, this test flight is a rare occurrence driven by demand. Notably, the aircraft can accommodate 550 passengers, making it Boeing’s largest-ever aircraft. Currently undergoing certification, the aircraft is expected to be operational before 2025. Emirates Airlines is set to be the first operator of the Boeing 777X.

Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.