Boeing unveils the 777X, the jumbo jet’s US$442 million successor
- American airline manufacturer unveils first prototype for employees rather than the world media
March 13 was supposed to be a media bonanza for Boeing. The aviation giant was set to unveil its next great wide-body jetliner – one that is destined to serve as its flagship for decades to come and finally replace the legendary 747 jumbo jet.
That day, the attention of the world’s news outlets was indeed trained on Boeing. But not for that reason.
Three days earlier, Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET302 crashed soon after taking off from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, killing all 157 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 737 Max 8. It was the second relatively new 737 Max 8 to crash under similar circumstances.
By the morning of March 13, more than 50 regulatory agencies and airlines around the world had grounded or banned the plane. That afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order that grounded the 737 Max in the US too.
What was supposed to be a day of celebration for Boeing became one of the darkest days in the company’s history.
The media junket was scrapped, and the first 777X prototype was introduced in a private ceremony reserved for employees.
The circumstances surrounding its unveiling do not diminish the importance of the new 777X to Boeing. Here is a closer look.
On March 13, Boeing unveiled the first prototype of its upcoming 777X airliner before a crowd of employees.
