Boeing firms up on B777X configuration

The Boeing 777X team reached this significant design milestone after working closely with airline customers and key suppliers to optimize the configuration of the new airplane.
The 777X family includes the 777-8 and the 777-9 – both designed to respond to market needs and customer preferences. The 777-8 and 777-9 provide significant range, payload and fuel burn advantages compared to the A350.
"It's great to see the airlines and industry team side-by-side with us as we achieve this important milestone," said Bob Feldmann, vice president and general manager of the 777X program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The team has followed a disciplined process to complete all of the requirements for this stage of the program."
Analyst Saj Ahmad said the milestone had important implicatioms for the Middle East and Africa. “With firm configuration of the 777X (777-9 specifically) in place, Boeing and its customers can push on in getting further milestones checked off so that production of the first airplane can being in 2017.