Boeing starts production of new 777-8 cargo aircraft

Boeing has started building its newest cargo plane, the 777-8 freighter, with production now underway, American newspaper The Seattle Times reported Tuesday.

The aircraft was originally announced in 2022 during an event at the White House, where Boeing said Qatar Airways would be the launch customer with an order for 34 jets and options for 16 more, for a total deal worth $20 billion.

The 777-8 freighter has a revenue payload of 112.3 tonnes. Boeing’s website states that it has the lowest operating cost per tonne, the best fuel efficiency, and the lowest carbon dioxide emissions in the 777X series.

Although Boeing had planned to deliver the first aircraft in 2027, the report said the timeline has now been pushed back by one year.