The Boeing 777 is the world’s largest twin-engine passenger jet and the most-built widebody aircraft. Boeing wanted to bridge the gap between the 747 and the 767 with a new long-range jet, resulting in the launch of the Boeing 777. The 777 comes in several variants: Boeing 777-200 series, the initial and shortest group, which includes the -200, -200ER, and -200LR; the stretched Boeing 777-300 series, which consists of the -300 and -300ER; the freighter Boeing 777F; and the upcoming Boeing 777X series that includes the variants that are under testing, -8, -8F and -9.

United Airlines Boeing 777
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The first Boeing 777 was launched with an order from United Airlines In October 1990, making them the launch customer for the type. United Airlines officially received its first model in June 1995. Boeing followed up with the extended range variants as the years progressed.

The 777 seats a maximum capacity of 426 passengers for their 777-9 variant and 392 for the 777-300ER variant. Although the 777-9 is still in its certification and testing phase due to delays, the 777-300ER is the most active 777 variant used all around the world. The 777 is distinctly recognizable from the wings and large engines, which are the same diameter as the Boeing 737's passenger cabin. The 777 was the first aircraft from Boeing to use a fully reliant and functional fly-by-wire (FBW) control system. This technology was extremely safe and reliable, making the 777 an extremely safe aircraft to fly with several redundant systems onboard.

A United Airlines Boeing 777 in a special Star Alliance livery
Photo: SvetlanaSF | Shutterstock

The 777-200 is the shortest in length at 209 feet and 1 inch and has a range of 5,240 nautical miles using the PW4000 or Trent 800. The 777-300 incorporated an extremely powerful and large turbofan engine, the General Electric GE90, which has a fan diameter of 3.3m and a thrust rating of 115,540 lbs. The newer 777X series uses the largest turbofan engine ever used on an aircraft, the General Electric GE9X, which is larger than the GE90.

Gulf carrier Emirates is currently the largest operator of the Boeing 777, with over 150 in the fleet. The 777 is used by many more airlines worldwide. So far, Boeing has delivered 1,738 units to airlines, and the type continues to receive orders. The 777 remains the best-selling widebody aircraft worldwide, with the 300ER being the most popular variant.