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Everett Paine Field (PAE) announced in a post on X that the first Boeing 777Xmade for Lufthansa, WH128, took its inaugural flight on May 7. The aircraft is serial number 1781 N20080 and successfully completed its maiden voyage, touching down just before 5:00 PM local time.
The flight marks a major step forward in the beleaguered 777X program, which is nearing seven years past its original schedule to debut. Lufthansa was the launch customer when sales began and currently holds an order for at least 20 of the next generation widebody jetliners. Thus, the very first production model will go directly to the carrier that also celebrated A Century of operations this year.
Lufthansa’s Long-Awaited Fleet Upgrade
Lufthansa’s original plan was for the 777X to enter service in 2020, but years of certification delays have pushed out the timeline significantly. Its older 747-400s, averaging 26 years old, were meant to be gone already, but have held on by serving as stopgaps due to the 777X delays. Lufthansa now plans to retire its final eight 747-400 aircraft within the next one or two years.
The 777X airframe allows for a lower 6,000-foot cabin altitude, larger windows, and higher ceilings, all aimed at reducing jet lag and passenger fatigue. Lufthansa’s new long-haul branding and Allegris cabin concept will debut on the 777-9. The new jets will reportedly include ‘throne’ seats with extra space and beds up to 220cm long.
The most recent test flight should bolster confidence that the jet’s delivery will slip again. Simple Flying reported earlier this week that Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr expressed confidence that the new fleet will begin to take shape early next year, saying:
“After our conversation with Boeing [on March 6], that these aircraft will arrive in the first quarter and be deployed in the summer… I’m even more optimistic that they will [be delivered] in 2027… in the winter, two to four 747-400s will be removed from the fleet.”
How The 777X Will Change Long-Haul Flying
During today’s test, the aircraft flew for a total of three hours, reaching its top speed of 492 knots and a maximum altitude of 39,000 feet, according to data from FlightRadar24. The 777-9 will carry approximately 426 passengers, effectively matching the capacity of the 747 while operating with significantly lower costs.
The 777-9 features GE9X engines, which produce roughly 220,000 lbs of combined thrust along with composite wings and the famed folding wingtips for maximum efficiency without compromising gate compatibility. The larger wingspan of the 777X, with its raked tips, significantly reduces induced drag, improving every aspect of performance. It offers roughly 20% to 25% less fuel burn per seat than the 747-400, with more range as well.
Surprisingly, the 777-9 is even expected to transport more belly cargo than the passenger 747-8 due to the efficiency of its single-deck layout and larger hold dimensions. Two GE9X engines are not only the most powerful in the world, but the higher bypass ratio of 10:1, compared to 9:1 for the 747-8’s GEnx, gives them much better fuel efficiency as well as lower noise levels.
How Much Longer Are The 777X’s Wings Than The 777’s?
The new 777X will have a broader wingspan than the 777, but folding wingtips when on the ground.
Inside The Next Flagship Of Lufthansa’s Fleet
The 777X was meant to be the launch vehicle of the new Allegris cabin experience, but the delayed certification has meant that the airline introduced its newest interior design on the new Airbus A350 widebodies instead. Yet, the sheer size and tech packed in the 777X will offer a uniquely grand way to fly after it finally begins service with Lufthansa.
The new 777x first class experience will be akin to booking a private room in the sky with the introduction of the Suite Plus. Featuring two seats that can be converted into a double bed with ceiling-high walls and a door that can be fully closed, it will be one of the largest first-class products ever rolled out in commercial flying.
The 777X cabins will feature seat heating and cooling, 4K entertainment screens up to 27 inches in Business Class, and wireless charging at every premium seat. Business class seats will also have industry-leading bed length as well as ‘shoulder sink in’ design for side sleepers.
