Boeing has just flown the first ever production-standard Boeing 777X. The aircraft, registered N20080 and built specifically for Lufthansa, took off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington this morning.
The 777-9 is the largest twin-engine aircraft ever built. It is 252 feet long, can carry up to 426 passengers, and is powered by two GE9X engines, the largest commercial jet engines ever produced. It also features folding wingtips, a first for a commercial passenger jet, allowing it to fit into existing Boeing 777 airport gates despite its 235-foot wingspan.
Lufthansa was the original launch customer when the 777X program kicked off in 2013. The German carrier holds 20 firm 777-9 orders and is expected to take delivery of its first aircraft in early 2027, with passenger service starting next summer.
The 777X program is roughly seven years behind schedule, and Boeing has taken $15 billion in charges so far. Today’s flight matters because FAA certification requires Boeing to demonstrate the 777-9 in its final production configuration. This Lufthansa aircraft is the first one built fully to that standard.
Worldwide, the 777X has 619 orders from 12 customers. Emirates is the largest customer with 205 aircraft on order.
