Those who visit Boeing at the Paris Air Show that starts next week will have the famous feeling of déjà vu: just like last year in Farnborough (UK), the US planemaker will take the commercial jets 737 MAX 10 and 777-9 as its main highlights at the most important industry event in 2023.
In fact, the aircraft are the most up-to-date in the company’s jetliners portfolio, but they are also reasons for frustration.
The MAX 10, the largest variant of the 737, with capacity for up to 230 passengers, should have already entered service, but subsequent delays in certification pushed the debut to 2024 as far as is known.
Boeing has not even been able to approve the 737 MAX 7, the smallest of the family, which has been waiting for years for the green light from the FAA, the US civil aviation agency.
Superlative
The 777-9, on the other hand, is a unique aircraft: it is the largest twin-engine passenger aircraft in history, capable of accommodating almost 500 passengers if configured in a single class.
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The largest version of the 777X is full of superlative figures such as range (13,500 km), length (almost 77 meters) and wingspan of 71.8 meters.
Due to the large dimensions, Boeing developed a wing tip retraction mechanism worthy of an aircraft carrier fighter. With the tips folded, the 777-9’s wingspan is reduced to less than 65 meters, making it easier to move around airports.
The 777X is also the only aircraft to use the massive GE9X turbofan, the largest ever flown – that honor is likely to be lost to Rolls-Royce’s Ultrafan in the future.
Despite this, the development of the widebody is also delayed and one of the reasons is precisely the GE engine, which on at least two occasions caused the flight test program to be suspended.
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If there are no more surprises, Boeing’s new flagship aircraft will enter service in 2025. Perhaps in time for it to appear again at Le Bourget but with some aircraft of its customers, finally.
