Boeing plans to construct longest-range passenger jet

PARIS / DUBAI - Reuters

Boeing has shown airlines a blueprint for the world’s longest-range passenger jet, adding spice to a long-awaited revamp of its 777 wide-body jet, people familiar with the matter said.

Boeing has launched a race against Airbus for sales of the newest long-haul jets by announcing it had begun selling an upgraded aircraft family code-named 777X.

First seen in the 1990s, the 777 cornered the market for large twin-engine aircraft able to fly routes previously only possible with four engines, earning it the nickname “mini-jumbo.”

Analysts say the 777 is Boeing’s most profitable plane, thanks largely to the 777-300ER, a 365-seat version that began operations in 2004.

Most of the industry’s attention is now focused on a future 400-seat version known as the 777-9X, which is Boeing Co’s response to a growing challenge from the largest version of Europe’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000.

The 777-8X, boasting a range of 9,500 nautical miles, would be designed for some of the world’s longest trips such as from the Middle East to South America.