Boeing launches 777X program with record-breaking orders

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - The Boeing Company launched the 777X program Sunday with record-breaking orders and commitments.  The announcement came at the 2013 Dubai Airshow, the company said in a press release.  Boeing said that agreements for 259 airplanes came from four customers across Europe and the Middle East for the newest member of its twin-aisle product family.

The 777X program is the the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history by dollar value, for a combined value of more than $95 billion at list prices, Boeing said.  777X orders and commitments include Lufthansa with 34 airplanes, Etihad Airways with 25, Qatar Airways with 50 and Emirates with 150 airplanes.

"We are proud to partner with each of these esteemed airlines to launch the 777X – the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jetliner in the world," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. "Its ground-breaking engine technologies and all-new composite wing will deliver unsurpassed value and growth potential to our customers."

The 777X introduces the latest technologies in multiple places, including the most advanced commercial engine ever – the GE9X by GE Aviation – and an all-new high-efficiency composite wing that has a longer span than today's 777, the company said.. The airplane's folding, raked wingtip and optimized span deliver greater efficiency, significant fuel savings and complete airport gate compatibility.