What did it mean when the 777X reached firm configuration?

Captain Alexis Fecteau recalls that a little over five years ago, the 777X family of Boeing reached a significant milestone – firm configuration of the 777-9. It marked a new era for the Boeing 777X team, airline customers, and key suppliers as they finally maximized the configuration of the new Boeing commercial aircraft.

Image source: en.wikipedia.org

Image source: seekingalpha.com
For people new to the aviation industry, attaining firm configuration translates to the “completion of configuration trade studies to finalize the airplane’s capability and basic design,” a key requirement for clearance for production. Important phases of the project included processes such as wind tunnel testing and aerodynamic performance and structural load evaluation. Reaching firm configuration also means the next stage of the development, which involves the design and assembly of parts and systems of the 777X, can begin.

In 2017, two years after reaching firm configuration, production finally began on the 777X.

Today, the 777X is a source of pride and joy for Captain Alexis Fecteau and the rest of Boeing. Not only are the 777X jets the largest twin-engine commercial aircraft in the world, but they are also the most fuel-efficient. They operate with 10% lower costs and 12% less fuel consumption. Their cabins have also earned critical praise from customers and industry experts as well.

Professional pilot and engineer Captain Alexis Fecteau is the Director of Marketing for Boeing Business Jets. Visit this blog for more Boeing-related articles.

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