Boeing is delaying development of the 777-8, the ultra-long-range version of its widebody 777X family, which includes the 777-8 and the slightly larger 777-9. While the company had not previously announced a planned entry-into-service date for the 777-8, it is being considered alongside an ultra-long-range version of the Airbus A350 for Qantas Airlines’ Project Sunrise, a plan that aims to launch nonstop flights from Sydney, Australia, to long-range destinations including London, England, beginning in 2022. It is unclear how much the 777-8 delay will affect Boeing’s chances of partnering with Qantas for the project, but the airline is expected to select the Project Sunrise aircraft by the end of 2019.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/recent-updates/business-military/boeing-777-8-development-delayed