On the first day of the Dubai Airshow, November 17, Boeing launched its 777X - with 259 commitments from four launch customers. Etihad Airways has placed firm orders for 25 (17 777-9Xs and eight 777-8Xs) and options and purchase rights for 12 more. Emirates committed to purchasing 115 777-9XS and 35 777-8XS, plus purchase rights for another 50, and Qatar Airways has signed a letter of intent for up to 50 777-9Xs. A Lufthansa deal for 34 777-9Xs was revealed on September 19 when the airline announced its widebody replacement plans (see 777-9X for Lufthansa, November, p20). The 777X family comprises the 350-seat 777-8X with a range of more than 9,300nm (17,220km), designed to compete with the Airbus A350-1000; and the 777-9X, able to fly 8,200-plus nm (15,185km) carrying 400 passengers. Powered by the GE Aviation GE9X and featuring a composite wing with a longer span than the current generation of 777s, tipped with a raked winglet, the 777X will be 12% more fuel efficient than any competing airliner, according to the manufacturer.
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