Boeing 777X

Boeing will begin in-house production of components for its new twin-aisle 777X aircraft, its St Louis composites facility in Missouri, US.

The company intends to bring back most of the work on 777 programme currently being carried out by suppliers or overseas.

The 777X components will be designed at St Louis, Boeing Aerostructures Australia and other facilities.

The St Louis facility is scheduled to begin production of 777X parts in 2017, Boeing said.

Boeing Military Aircraft cross-enterprise design/build vice-president Bob Ciesla said: "Placing this work in St Louis optimises resources, skills and technology in St Louis and creates high technology jobs in the region."

Parts built at the plant will be moved to the company’s 1,000,000ft² composite wing centre and home for the 777X programme, which is under construction in Everett, Washington.

"Placing this work in St Louis optimises resources, skills and technology in the area."

Boeing Commercial Airplanes777X programme vice-president and general manager Bob Feldmann said: "Boeing has outstanding capability, resources and experience across the company and the 777X programme will leverage that skill base."

In addition to fabrication and assembly of the 777X composite wing, the Everett facility will also undertake assembly of the aircraft.

Built on the existing 777 platform, the 777X will be available in two variants, 777-8X and 777-9X.

The aircraft is said to offer 12% in fuel efficiency and 10% lower operating costs compared with other airliners in the segment.

Boeing intends to commence deliveries of 777X in 2020.

Image: The 777X family includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

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