The new Boeing 777X arrived at Dubai World Central over the weekend ahead of the upcoming Dubai Airshow. The airplane will be on static display and featured in the show's flying program starting November 14.
The 777-9 flight test airplane made a nearly 15-hour nonstop flight from Seattle's Boeing Field to Dubai as the first international flight and longest flight to date for the 777X as it continues to undergo a rigorous test program.
Once it's flying commercially, 777-9 will be the world's largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, delivering 10 percent better fuel use, emissions and operating costs than the competition and an exceptional passenger experience.
The 777X family has a total of 351 orders and commitments from airlines around the world, however Boeing will be hoping for even more orders as the Dubai Airshow takes to the skies.
However, pressure is on the plane manufacturer with the 777X project already three years behind its intended first delivery date. It's launch customer Emirates told Reuters "There will be a discussion... before and during the air show."
Emirates has publicly attacked Boeing for the delay in delivery of the 126 Boeing 777X jets it has on order and has already reduced the number of jets it plans to buy from Boeing by 24, choosing instead to purchase 30 Dreamliners.
Boeing had originally planned to deliver the 777X in June 2020 but is now targeting late 2023.
The biannual Dubai International Airshow is the first major aviation trading event since the pandemic and will be a key indicator as to where the industry is at, with billions of dollars worth of business up for grabs.
