No Final Decision Yet On Whether The Aircraft Will Actually Be Built

Boeing has reportedly begun talks with potential customers for its next-generation triple-7 airplane, for now called the 777X. And while the board has not yet given a green light for production of the new model, it has started a marketing effort to generate interest in the plane.

The new 777 would have more composite components than current models of the airplane, along with more efficient engines. Boeing sees the 777X as a direct competitor to the Airbus A350 XWB, which is closing in on first flight, and is scheduled for first delivery in 2017.

Bloomberg reports that Boeing's directors have not yet given final approval to begin building the new airplane. Spokeswoman Karen Crabtree said that the company is currently "engaging in the marketplace, discussing more details and offering the airplane to customers."

Wall Street analyst Howard Rubel told Bloomberg that the new airplane would probably have 407 seats, and be about 21 percent more fuel-efficient that the current 777-300ER. He said that the plane might give Boeing an opportunity to limit the market for the A350 XWB. Boeing has not yet determined a price for its next generation triple-7.

FMI: www.boeing.com