Boeing selected Japanese company Nabtesco’s primary flight control actuation system for its new 777X airplane.

Actuators are a key part of an airplane’s system that move surfaces such as ailerons on the wing and elevators on the tail to control an aircraft’s direction in flight.

The new agreement builds on the company’s existing partnership with Nabtesco, which already supplies actuation systems for four flight control surfaces on the Boeing 777 family of airplanes.

This will increase the number of actuators being supplied to eight, including spoilers.

"The new agreement builds on the company’s existing partnership with Nabtesco, which already supplies actuation systems for four flight control surfaces on the Boeing 777 family of airplanes."

Boeing Japan president George Maffeo said: "The Nabtesco team has consistently provided on-time, high quality flight control system assemblies and system components for the current 777, and we are delighted to continue the relationship and increase the scope of work for decades to come with the new 777X.

"Boeing has recognised Nabtesco for quality work, and was named Supplier of the Year in 2013."

Built on 777 platform, the 777X will be available in two variants including 777-8X and the 777-9X. Production of the first 777X is scheduled to begin in 2017, with plans to deliver the first aircraft in 2020.

Boeing received 300 orders and commitments from six airlines worldwide. In February 2015, Boeing selected BAE Systems to supply remote electronic units (REU) for its twin-aisle 777X aircraft.