The Boeing 777: A Comprehensive Overview

The Boeing 777, nicknamed the "Triple Seven," is an American long-range wide-body airliner and the world's largest twinjet, as well as the most-built wide-body aircraft in history. Launched in October 1990 with an order from United Airlines and developed in consultation with eight major carriers, the prototype first flew in June 1994 and entered service in June 1995. The aircraft introduced several Boeing firsts, including fly-by-wire controls and carbon composite tailplanes, and is recognizable by its large-diameter turbofan engines, six-wheel main landing gear, and raked wingtips.

The 777 family evolved through multiple generations: the original "Classics" (777-200, -200ER, and -300) were followed by second-generation extended-range variants (the 777-300ER in 2004, 777-200LR in 2006, and 777F freighter in 2009), powered exclusively by GE90 engines. In November 2013, Boeing announced the third-generation 777X (including the 777-8, 777-9, and 777-8F), featuring composite wings with folding wingtips and GE9X engines, with first deliveries expected in 2027. With over 2,300 aircraft ordered by more than 60 customers, the 777 is the best-selling wide-body airliner—its most popular variant being the 777-300ER—and primarily competes with the Airbus A350, while first-generation models are being replaced by the 787 Dreamliner. As of May 2024, the aircraft has been involved in 31 incidents, including eight hull losses with 542 fatalities.