Boeing's decision to shelve development of the 777-8 while it focuses on recovering the schedule of the baseline -9 variant is unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall programme. However, the move raises questions about the future of the smaller model and could allow the company to refocus the 777X line-up. Cirium fleets data shows that at 53 orders, the 777-8 represents just 15% of the total 777X backlog. Only three customers - all of whom have all also ordered -9s -have signed for the smaller, ultra-long-range (ULR) variant: Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways. This compares with eight buyers for a combined 281 -9s, plus one undisclosed customer for 10, with the variant unannounced.
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