UPDATE: 777X: Composite Wing Center Builds up and fills out

In less than a year after its grand opening, the 777X Composite Wing Center in Everett, Wash., seems to take on a new look nearly every day, according to mechanics and engineers.

Construction on the 1.3 million-square-foot (121,000-square-meter) building continues, as it will for the next 18 months, with the roll-in of new tools and equipment. Preproduction parts for the 777X airplane are underway. Nearly 130 mechanics are testing equipment and the first prototype parts, while another 170 employees have moved into the offices so far.

“It’s pretty incredible,” said Brett Miller, a 777X tool engineer, noting that real tools and equipment that previously existed only on computer screens and design reviews are coming together.

The building will support fabrication of the 777X wing, the longest wing Boeing has ever built, and turn the Everett site into a center for advanced carbon-fiber technology.

The most important thing the program is doing is maintaining a schedule, said Norine Murray, a senior manager in Spar Fabrication.

“We’ve made a commitment to our customers,” she said. “Now, for the most part, we have maintained that schedule at the same time while we are meeting safety and quality commitments for the program.”

Production of the first 777X is expected to begin in 2017. Following flight testing and certification programs, the first delivery is scheduled for 2020. The aircraft’s GE9X turbofan engines also recently passed two testing milestones in preparation for their delivery to Boeing.

The company has invested more than $1 billion to construct the new facility. In grand opening ceremonies for the building in May, Boeing and community leaders said the company’s sizable capital investments in the 777X, along with other Boeing programs and capabilities based in the region, will provide continued jobs and benefits for years to come.

Fast Facts:

The 777X-9 seats 400-425 passengers with a range of 7,600 nautical miles
Production of the 777X is scheduled to begin in 2017; first delivery is targeted for 2020
The 777X will be the largest and most-efficient twin-engine jet in the world
777X composite wing tips can fold up, offering greater airport gate compatibility

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