When will the Boeing 777 be in service?<\/p>\n
After more than six years of delivery delays<\/a>, the 777X is finally nearing passenger operations. Originally scheduled for 2020, the programme was pushed back by certification challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing problems and additional FAA scrutiny.<\/p>\n Boeing now expects the first 777-9 deliveries in 2027, with Germany\u2019s Lufthansa as the launch operator<\/a>.<\/p>\n The 777X family comprises the Boeing 777-8<\/a> and larger Boeing 777-9<\/a>, combining the 777\u2019s capacity with new-generation technology. <\/p>\n The Airbus A350-1000<\/a>, meanwhile, entered commercial service with Qatar Airways<\/a> back in 2018 and is already established worldwide.<\/p>\n Boeing 777X vs Airbus A350-1000: Size and capacity<\/p>\n The 777-9 is larger, measuring 76.7 metres compared with 73.8 metres for the A350-1000. Boeing gives it a typical two-class capacity of 375-400 passengers, while Airbus lists 375 in a typical three-class configuration.<\/p>\n The smaller 777-8 offers greater range than the 777-9 while retaining substantial capacity, giving airlines flexibility across different routes. Boeing also designed the 777X to integrate with existing 777 and 787 fleets.<\/p>\n The 777-9 is the world\u2019s largest twin-engine passenger aircraft and could replace larger four-engine aircraft such as the remaining Boeing 747-400 and -800 aircraft and even the Airbus A380<\/a>.<\/p>\n Emirates has also shown interest in Boeing developing a stretched 777-10 variant<\/a>, which would have additional passenger capacity.<\/p>\n What are the differences in range and efficiency?<\/p>\n The A350-1000 has the longer published range, at up to 9,100 nautical miles versus 7,600 for the 777-9. Of course, actual range depends on factors like payload, weather<\/a> and configuration.<\/p>\n Boeing says the 777-9 will use 20% less fuel and produce 20% lower emissions than the aircraft it replaces, with a 40% smaller noise footprint and 10% lower operating costs than competing aircraft.<\/p>\n Its efficiency comes from aerodynamic improvements, a composite wing and GE Aerospace\u2019s GE9X engines<\/a>.<\/p>\n Folding wingtips<\/a> provide a large wingspan in flight while allowing the aircraft to fit existing airport infrastructure on the ground.<\/p>\n The 777X also has a wider cabin than the A350-1000, another advantage for airlines wanting higher capacity. <\/p>\n What about passenger experience?<\/p>\n Both aircraft offer modern cabins, improved lighting, quieter interiors and advanced air-management systems.<\/p>\n The Boeing 777X builds on technology introduced with the 787 Dreamliner<\/a>, while the A350-1000 has already established a reputation for long-haul comfort and has extensive operational experience behind it.<\/p>\n The 777X still isn\u2019t certified but the A350-1000 is already very familiar<\/p>\n The biggest difference is timing. The A350-1000 is already flying passengers worldwide, while the 777X remains in certification.<\/p>\n![\"Qatar](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/netherlands\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/A7-ANJ_QATAR_AIRWAYS_AIRBUS_A350-1000_49841999737-1024x683.jpg\")
Photo: km30192002 \/ Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n![\"Lufthansa](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/netherlands\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/ai-pho-0251-05-a350-1000lufthansamsn799-demaskingandretouch-080-Large-1024x682.jpeg\")
Photo: Lufthansa<\/p>\n![\"Boeing](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/netherlands\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Boeing-777X-folding-wingtips-1024x575.jpeg\")
Photo: Boeing<\/p>\n
![\"Boeing](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/netherlands\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Boeing-777X-aircraft-underconstruction-1-1024x768.jpg\")
Photo: Boeing<\/p>\n