Just-launched Boeing 777-8X & 777-9X, ordered in record numbers at the Dubai Airshow – Image: Boeing

The first day of the 2013 Dubai Airshow kicked off with a bang.  As we slept, Boeing racked up 225 new orders for their newly-launched 777X program.  With the existing 34 orders from Lufthansa, the official launch of the plane comes with huge order support from customers.  “We are proud to partner with each of these esteemed airlines to launch the 777X ’“ the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jetliner in the world,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner. “Its ground-breaking engine technologies and all-new composite wing will deliver unsurpassed value and growth potential to our customers.”

Night-time rendering of Boeing 777-9X – Image: Boeing

The 777X program wasn’t the only Day One winner for Boeing, however.  Etihad also booked orders for 30 787-10s, which brings their total Dreamliner orders up to 71 – making them the largest airline customer for the 787 and pushing the program over 1,000 orders.  Mideast short-haul carrier flydubai also made an order for 100 Boeing 737 MAX8 birds.