Boeing's Massive 777X Airliner Shows its Agility in the Dubai Airshow

Boeing is working toward certification of the 777X with the FAA. The company brought flight test vehicle WH001, a 777-9, to the Dubai Airshow as it looks to build momentum and perhaps reassure customers about the program that has garnered orders for well over 300 of the widebodies.

Launched in 2013, the 777X uses new GE9X engines, which produce a record 134,300 pounds of thrust, according to GE Aerospace. The design produces a 10 percent improvement in specific fuel consumption over the GE90-115B, which powers the 777-200LR and 777-300ER.

Other features include composite wings with folding wingtips. The folding wingtips build on Boeing's expertise through its F-18 and are built in Saint Louis, across the street from the F-18 production site. The aircraft also has a lower cabin altitude of 6,000 feet, four additional inches of cabin width that permits 10-abreast seating, and other technologies and advancements borrowed from the 787.

Originally slated for certification in 2020, the program had encountered delays primarily as it assessed what it would need from a more regimented FAA certification program. The delays have hindered fleet replacements as the 777 no longer has a direct competitor in its space.