NY Times: Boeing Plans Less Risky Enhanced 777 to Counter Airbus A350

Boeing’s update of its 777 -- the 777X -- will be an enhanced version of the original plane and not a complete redesign with new technology as in the sometimes troubled 787 Dreamliner, according to a story in the New York Times.

The company plans to add lightweight composite wings and more fuel efficient engines to the existing 777 template in pitching its new version of the long-range workhorse as counter to Airbus’ A350.

The upgrade, scheduled to be ready by the end of the decade, is seen as a less risky approach than a completely new plane and new technology, as in the Dreamliner.

The story quotes W. James McNerney Jr., Boeing’s chief executive, as saying, “we all remember the times of fighting through the 787 development where the technologies weren’t quite as mature as we hoped they’d be.”

The current 777 is made in Everett - Boeing has not yet announced where the 777X will be made.

For the full New York Times story, click here.