Composite image of a Lufthansa Boeing 777-9X – Image: Lufthansa
Today, Lufthansa Airlines announced a major long-haul order split between the Airbus A350-900 and the Boeing 777-9X. The airline stated it would be adding at least 24 777-9X and 25 of the Airbus A350-900 to their fleet starting as early as 2016. The order is worth about $19 billion USD at list prices, although it is very likely that the airline received a substantial discount from both manufacturers.
Of course, the most interesting part of this order is the fact that Boeing has not officially launched the 777-9X.
Time to take a VIP tour of one of TAM’s Boeing 777-300ERs at Paine Field. Photo: David Parker Brown
Recently, I was invited to take a special tour of one of TAM Airlines’ brand-spanking new Boeing 777s that was parked at Paine Field. The plane was so new that Boeing was still prepping it for delivery. How could I refuse?
The aircraft I toured (PT-MUJ) and was TAM’s fourth 777-300ER, which was delivered on August 29th, 2013. The airline has ordered a total of nine of the type.
The 777 is the first aircraft that TAM has equipped with their new First Class product, and I was excited to check it out.
Boeing shared this photo of the 787-9 flying over Mt. Rainier.
Here is a photo of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flying over Mount Rainier during its first flight earlier today. Nuff said.
SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE 787-9 FIRST FLIGHT
ZB-001 (N789EX) the first Boeing 787-9, takes to the sky – Photo: Bernie Leighton | AirlineReporter.com
At 11:02am this morning, ZB-001 the first Boeing 787-9, became airworthy as it departed Paine Field in Everett, Washington on its first flight.
Boeing’s inaugural flight of the 787-9 was originally scheduled for 10am Pacific Time, but as is usual for ’œBoeing Time’ there was a few delays. The weather may not have been as perfect as the flight tests for yesterday’s CS100 flight from Mirabel, but there was no rain, which is always a positive for Seattle this time of year. With over 10,000 employees in attendance and lots more of the Everett flight line crews watching (plus thousands more watching the live webcast), it was a spectacle that many were anxiously awaiting.
The first Boeing 787-9 conducts taxi tests at Paine Field earlier today. Image: Sandy Ward / Future of Flight.
Boeing has confirmed tonight that the first Boeing 787-9 flight is scheduled to take place tomorrow, Tuesday September 16th.
As of now, the first flight is scheduled for 10:00am PDT, of course the time and even the date could change based on a number of different circumstances.
Earlier today, Boeing conducted taxi tests in the Seattle rain.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@AirlineReporter) for all the first flight goodness.
BOEING 787-9 TAXI PHOTOS AND VIDEO
