Production of Boeing’s 777-8 freighter has hit a milestone as assembly teams have brought the 777-8F’s mid-fuselage together with its composite wings.
The joining of the mid-fuselage and the composite wings, which span 235 feet (72 meters) is known as a wing-body join.
As major sections for the first 777-8F entered Boeing’s Everett complex in Washington, US, assembly installer Pedro Landa said: “This is something to be proud of. It’s a whole new freighter that our customers are excited about, and we’re excited to be building something brand new.”
Boeing’s teams at its 777/777X final assembly facility in Everett, Washington, have also began outfitting forward and aft fuselage sections with systems and wiring.
We’re building on the success of the legacy 777 Freighter,” said Jens Biemann, design engineer lead. “This is going to be an airplane that will help customers be successful in their businesses.”
Boeing started production on the 777-8F in July 2025. The 777-8F was originally anticipated to come to market in 2027, but in October 2024, Boeing announced it would delay launch until 2028.
The 777-8F has won 68 orders from customers worldwide since Boeing launched the programme in 2022 with Qatar Airways as the launch customer.
Meanwhile, in December, Air Cargo News reported that Boeing is seeking an emissions exemption from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to enable it to continue selling 777 freighters beyond the end of 2027 and bridge the gap until its 777-8F comes to market.
