(Posted 04th August 2025)
Boeing started production of the 777-8 Freighter recently with teams drilling the first hole in the wing spar. The airplane is designed to be the world’s largest and most capable twin-engine freighter.
- With that step – Boeing’s traditional start of major assembly – the 777/777X team has started production on the 777-8 Freighter. The airplane is designed to be the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine freighter, program leaders said.
- “You don’t forget these moments,” McDowell said. “Having our team together as we got underway on this airplane was special.”
Airlines and cargo operators have ordered 59 777-8 Freighters since Boeing launched the program in 2022. Boeing has said it is working to deliver the first 777-8 Freighter in 2028.
Meaningful moment: For Robin Thorning, an automation manager with 38 years at Boeing, this milestone was particularly poignant.
- “I helped build the very first 777 – WA001 – early in my career, and it’s exciting to get to start our newest member of the 777X family,” said Thorning.
- Thorning and his father, son and daughter also share nearly 100 years of Boeing service.
- “To touch these incredible airplanes and help bring them to life is a privilege and really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We take our work seriously as we continue to drive to build safe and more-efficient airplanes,” Thorning said.
Catch up quick: Teams at the nearby Composite Wing Center fabricated the spars, along with skin panels and stringers.
- Each wing has two spars – front and rear – that measure 108 feet (33 meters) long.
- Fabricating a pair of spars for each wing requires 392 miles of carbon fiber tape – the length of the drive from Everett to the state of Montana.
- The combined weight of a pair of spars is 2,500 pounds.
What’s next: Teams will move the finished spars to the main factory, where they’ll be assembled into the first 777-8 Freighter wings with the CWC parts and other components.
- “You are leading the way as we introduce our newest freighter into our production system,” said Jason Clark, 777/777X vice president and general manager. “Thank you for building our future.”
