Boeing has increased the fuselage length of the 777-8 by 3.5 feet, boosting passenger capacity to 395 and the range to 8,745 nautical miles. This modification to the 777-8's design aims to close the order gap with the 777-9, but it remains to be seen if the increased capacity and range will attract more customers.
The 777-8 and the B777-9 form a part of Boeing’s 777X program. According to Boeing, the 777X has unique folding wingtips and 10 ft wide GE9X engines. However, the sales for B777-8 are not keeping up which might have led to Boeing to make changes in its design. To date, only 24 of the total 777X orders are for the -8 variant, with 304 being for the larger 777-9 and 55 for the 777-8F cargo aircraft.
The modified 777-9 will be capable of carrying up to 426 passengers in a two-class configuration, over 40 more than the 777-8's original design
All 24 777-8 orders have come from Middle Eastern airlines, eight from Etihad Airways and 16 from Emirates. After Emirates, Qatar Airways is currently due to be the next largest operator of the 777X, with 74 on order, and Singapore Airlines with 31.
The B777-9 is expected to enter into service in 2025, while the first delivery of the 777-8 is anticipated around 2027.