Boeing 777X will have more belly capacity than current 777s

The Boeing 777-9, the larger, shorter-range version of the 777X, has 8% more belly-hold cargo capacity than the current production 777-300ER, Boeing has confirmed to FreightWaves. The first 777X test flight was Saturday, and the company expects to begin deliveries in 2021, but no entry into service schedule has been announced.

The 777-9 will be able to carry up to four more LD-3 containers than the 777-300ER, said a Boeing spokesperson. The new plane’s cargo capacity is 7,707 cubic feet, while the -300Rs capacity is 7,120 cubic feet. The size of the cargo payload is contingent on other factors, such as interior configurations, passenger baggage allowances and trip length.

Boeing has delivered 818 777-300ERs over the life of the program; 422 of the -200ER model and 61 -200LRs, which has the longest range of the current 777s. The manufacturer currently has 309 orders for the 777X, which will feature an 11-foot folding wingtip. When fully extended, the aircraft’s wingspan will be more than 235 feet long, making it the largest wing Boeing has ever built. The longer wing improves the aircraft’s efficiency and folding it ensures the aircraft is compatible with existing airport taxiways and gates.

The timing of Federal Aviation Administration certification of the new widebody is unclear. Given the 737 MAX grounding and intense scrutiny of the process FAA and Boeing used to certify that aircraft, it is likely a very conservative approach will be taken.