Boeing Begins Production of First 777-8 Freighter
The production of Boeing’s new 777-8 Freighter has officially begun. This Monday, at the Composite Spar Shop in Everett, Washington, a team of approximately 100 people enthusiastically watched as Casey McDowell drilled the first hole in one of the wing spars, marking the start of manufacturing for this sky giant. With a wingspan of 108 feet (33 meters), this structure represents the first tangible step toward what Boeing describes as the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine freighter.
A Moment Filled with History and Emotion
For Robin Thorning, an automation manager with 38 years of experience at Boeing, this event goes beyond daily work. “I helped build the first 777—the WA001—at the start of my career, and now beginning work on the newest member of the 777X family is thrilling,” he shared. Thorning, whose family has nearly 100 years of combined service at the company—including his father, son, and daughter—highlighted the significance of contributing to projects that shape the future of aviation. “It’s a privilege to work on these incredible aircraft and help bring them to life. We take our responsibility to build safer and more efficient airplanes very seriously,” he added.
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The Aircraft: Dimensions, Materials, and Efficiency
Since its launch in 2022, the 777-8 Freighter program has accumulated 59 orders from airlines and cargo operators. With the first delivery scheduled for 2028, this model promises to transform air cargo transportation thanks to its size and operational efficiency.
Each wing of the aircraft requires two main spars—forward and aft—manufactured with 392 miles of carbon fiber tape, equivalent to the road distance between Everett and Montana. These components, produced by teams at the Composite Wing Center, are combined with outer panels and stringers to create a lightweight yet robust structure. The combined weight of the two spars for one wing reaches 2,500 pounds (1,134 kg).
The Process: From Manufacturing to Assembly
After fabrication at the Composite Wing Center, the spars will be transported to the main plant to be integrated with other components and form the wings of the first 777-8 Freighter. Jason Clark, vice president and general manager of the 777/777X program, thanked the team for their dedication: “You are leading the way as we integrate our new freighter into the production system. Thank you for building our future.”
With this milestone, Boeing not only brings a new freighter model to life but also reinforces its commitment to efficiency, innovation in composite materials, and leadership in the cargo aircraft market. The introduction of the 777-8 Freighter represents a key move to meet the growing global demand for sustainable, high-capacity air transportation.
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