Boeing, Toray Industries Reach Agreement on Composites for 777X Wings

November 17, 2014

Matthew Monaghan

The fourth-generation 777X composite wing has a longer span than today’s 777. Its folding, raked wingtip and optimized span deliver greater efficiency, significant fuel savings, and complete airport gate compatibility.

Composite supplier Toray Industries signed an agreement to expand its current contract for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to include the 777X wings. The addition of the 777X to the current 787 contract represents a significant increase in the material provided to Boeing by Toray. Boeing and Toray will also collaborate to improve commercialization of composites in the aerospace market. Specific areas the companies will address include increased consistency and performance of composites across the production system and a cost structure that is more competitive with metals. With this agreement, Boeing will have contracts in place for more than 75% of the major structural material for the 777X. The wingspan of the 777X measures 71.7 m—6.95 m longer than the span of today's 777-300ER. Its raked wingtip and optimized span will deliver greater efficiency and significant fuel savings while being compatible with today's airport gates. The 777X wings will be manufactured at Boeing's Everett, WA, site.