The 777 was the first commercial airliner to be designed entirely by computer. What was needed to impress the airlines and win their business was a whole new concept - a new way of thinking, a new way of designing and manufacturing airliners. To remain competitive, Boeing needed a new plan, and fast. Airbus was putting forward their designs for the A330 and A340 and McDonald Douglas had their new and improved MD-11. While Boeing hoped that these new designs would satisfy their customers, the airlines weren’t impressed. Initial designs had stretched versions of the aircraft and also, taking inspiration from the 747, a version that had an upper deck at the rear of the aircraft.

Image Credit: Peter Bonek via ShutterstockĬarrying around 200 passengers, the 767 wasn’t quite big enough for what airlines wanted so Boeing would have to increase both its passenger capacity and flying range. To fulfill this requirement, Boeing’s original plan was to expand on its last aircraft, the 767.Īn Emirates 777-200LR at PRG airport. This would enable them to profitably operate routes that didn’t have the demand for a larger aircraft. Airlines were starting to have a real choice of aircraft to fulfill their needs, with Airbus in Europe becoming a major player in the airliner industry.Īirlines wanted a smaller aircraft that had the range of the popular Boeing 747 “Jumbo Jet” and could carry fewer passengers.

The economy was suffering and for the first time in its history, the company was facing very real competition. At the time, Boeing was under considerable commercial pressure. The 777 project was conceived as long ago as 1988. The Boeing 777 – a Brief History Creating the Concept Here is the definitive guide on all you need to know about “The Triple.” The airlines love the way its performance affects their balance sheets and pilots love it for its simplicity and versatility. Normally referred to as the “triple seven,” it has become a firm favorite with airlines and pilots alike. First entering service in 1995 with United Airlines, it is now a member of over 50 different airline’s fleets. If you’ve been on a long-haul flight in the last 20 years, there’s a high probability that you’ve been on one. The Boeing 777 is one of the safest and most successful aircraft in aviation history.

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