Boeing eyes 777X range boost

Airframer considering “multiple technologies” to boost twinjet’s capabilities.

Boeing aims increase the range of its 777X aircraft family through changes that could include maximum take-off weight (MTOW) adjustments and increased thrust from the types’ GE Aerospace GE9X turbofans.

“Our intent is to increase the range of that airplane,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief executive Stephanie Pope said in London this week ahead of the Farnborough air show. “We’ve been working with our engine partner GE and looking at, how do we increase the range?”

Pope provides few details but says an MTOW “piece” and “perhaps some more thrust” could enable the not-yet-certificated 777X jets to fly farther.

“It’s going to take multiple technologies to do that,” she adds without elaborating.

Boeing’s website says the 777-9 has “up to” 8,000nm (14,816) of range. It puts the 777-8 Freighter’s range at up to 5,000nm and the 777-8 passenger variant’s range at up to 9,500nm.

The 777-9’s turbofans can generate 105,000lb (467kN)-thrust, though GE says the GE9X turbofans actually have ability put out 134,300lb-thrust, indicating the companies have room to play.

Boeing is now working through the 777-9’s certification programme with the goal of delivering the first of the type next year. It has laid out a plan to have the 777-8F certificated two years after the 777-9, and to later bring the passenger-configured 777-8 to market.