Boeing started with the installation of folding wingtips for the 777X. The
manufacturer has released a photo this week showing it clearly. The
collapsible wing end will fly for the first time on a test aircraft in March
2019.
 
The mechanism allows Boeing to give the 777-8 and 777-9 larger wings, but the
aircraft at the gate do not take up more space than the previous generation
Triple Sevens. The aircraft have a wingspan of 72 meters in the air and 65
meters during taxiing and parking.
 
As a result of the larger wings (and new engines) the 777-8 and 777-9 have to
be about 12 to 13 percent more efficient than their predecessors, the 777-200
(ER) and 777-300 (ER). Launch customer Emirates expects to receive the first
777-9 in 2020.

--- D'Bridge 3.99 SR33
 * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)