SEATTLE The decline in aviation due to the coronavirus crisis is almost palpable. After the problems with the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, it inflicted another blow on the coronavirus pandemic to the already injured aircraft manufacturer. However, despite the negligible orders, the American manufacturer does not give up. The new Boeing 777X – the world’s longest aircraft – invests energy, time and considerable money.
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Size has not been relied on in the aviation industry for some time. In addition, during the months of crisis, many airlines resorted to scrapping expensive, now iconic machines with two engines on each wing. The legendary Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet, which has been a leader in the size of airliners for many years, will disappear from the skies. Most Airbus A380s also sit on the ground, replacing the former “Queen of Heaven”. The sharp drop in demand is forcing airlines to think economically.
“Companies that have the opportunity to replace large aircraft with smaller and more economical ones as a result of the crisis. The demand for flying is now very weak, “confirmed Ladislav Slípka, Sales Director of Czech Aviation Training Center, for Lidovky.cz. In addition, the production of both technologically and economically obsolete giants will soon be completely terminated. That’s why Boeing pulls a “pokoronavir ace” up his sleeve.
The Boeing 777X will become the largest commercial aircraft capable of effectively replacing these aircraft on long-haul and busy routes, Slípka confirmed.
“It is estimated to be up to 25 percent more economical than a Boeing 747 in seat costs,” he said. At the same time, more than 400 passengers will be able to sit in the cabin, to whom the modern version of the “triple seven” will offer a wider cabin and larger windows. “Even though there is no demand for larger aircraft now, after the crisis, this aircraft will find use,” Slípka assures.
Folding wings for easy travel
According to him, the new longest aircraft is predestined mainly for highly demanded routes, for example between London and New York or from Dubai to the rest of the world. “This is currently its weakness, the demand for long-haul flights has decreased significantly due to the co-crisis and the 777X has a lot of competition in the already operated A350 and B787 Dreamliner aircraft,” says Slípka.
With its length of less than 77 meters, however, the Boeing 777X has no competition in passenger air transport. Two engines in particular contribute to the advantage of operation, and their size also ranked first. In addition, better aerodynamics and the use of light and durable materials contribute to the economy of the colossus.
The 3rd @Boeing # 777X test frame # N779XY takes the active for a back taxi to the Boeing flight line after its 1st flight. pic.twitter.com/FJQAVrumt0
— Woodys Aeroimages (@AeroimagesChris) August 4, 2020
In addition, the aircraft has folding wingtips, which will allow it to land at smaller airports and facilitate movement on taxiways. The total span of the spread wings reaches almost 73 meters, which makes the Boeing 777X another leader.
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The Boeing 777X will be introduced in two versions, the shorter 777-8 and the longer 777-9. According to orders, there is significantly more interest in this so far. The airlines have so far ordered 344 pieces from the manufacturer. The company is considering an even more powerful version of the 777-10.
Boeing is not lazy with the preparation of the aircraft. In August, the third finished machine with the designation VH003 was put into test operation. While the first two are to be acquired by Emirates, the third will fly in Lufthansa colors after successful certification.
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