We’ve published multiple progress updates surrounding Boeing’s latest and long-awaited 777 family airliner. But, unsurprisingly, much of that focus has been on the 777-8 and 777-9 passenger aircraft rather than the 777-8F freighter version, a competitor for the A350F and likely replacement for older 747Fs. So what developments are taking place with Boeing’s next long-range freighter?

Specifications and Comparisons

Built on the success of their 777F program and what has been learned while creating the 777X, Boeing’s 777-8F promises to allow the highest payload in its class. Compared to the A350F, which facilitates a 109-tonne load, the 777X freighter will accept 118.2 tonnes, an 11-tonne increase from the 777F. Boeing also boasts their new cargo airliner will provide the lowest operating cost per tonne, feature their most fuel-efficient design yet, and produce the fewest CO2 emissions in class. On paper, one area the A350F wins is its range, up to 4,700 NM (8,700 km) at max payload, nearly 300 NM greater than Boeing’s new product.

Image: Boeing

According to Boeing’s website, the 777-8 and 777-8F have the same length of 232.5 feet (70.86 m) and wingspan (including extended wingtips, 235 feet, 5 in (71.75 m)). Vertically, the aircraft is 64 feet tall (19.5 m) and is designed to function seamlessly with their previous 777 freighters, accepting 690 f³ (19.5 m³) main deck pallets and 415 f³ (11.8 m³) lower hold pallets. And while both 777 freighters have the same sized cargo doors, the comparably longer 777-8F will facilitate an extra four main-deck pallets and three lower-deck pallets.

Who has placed orders?

With an expected first delivery date in 2027, multiple prominent cargo operators have already placed orders for the 777-8F. In a statement dated January 31, 2022, where the company formally announced the aircraft’s launch, Boeing wrote that Qatar Airways was the first 777-8F customer in a purchase deal for 34 aircraft and options for 16 more. This event traces back to 2019, when the renowned airline’s CEO, Akbar Al Baker, made the statement,

“By 2025, our initial freighters will be getting about 10 years old, so we will need to replace them. Hopefully, Boeing will launch a 777X-based freighter.”

And so it was done.

Then, in March 2022, the most prominent African carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to purchase five 777-8F airliners. They have since bought multiple 777Fs, and currently use a cargo fleet of a few 737-800 freighters and a converted 767.

Photo: Boeing

In May 2022, the Lufthansa Group became the first European customer for the 777-8F, purchasing seven aircraft. At the same time, they ordered a couple of 777Fs to help increase capacity as they await the arrival of the highly anticipated 777X version.

Later in 2022, Cargolux, the Luxembourgian flag carrier cargo airline, finalized their deal with Boeing for ten aircraft and options for six more. Cargolux has previously announced they planned to use the Boeing 777-8F to replace their aging lineup of 747-400Fs at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Towards the end of last year, All Nippon Airways (ANA) converted two of their orders of the 777F into 777-8Fs, with expected delivery in 2028. The Japanese flag carrier currently operates a cargo fleet of nine 767Fs and two 777Fs, though one of the 767s is in maintenance.

Image: Boeing

Silk Way West Airlines, a sizeable Azerbaijani cargo airline, ordered two of Boeing’s latest freighters, with expected delivery in 2029 to 2030. This deal will eventually increase their fleet size to 21 aircraft, currently comprised of seven 747-400Fs and five 747-8Fs, but with five 777-200Fs and two A350Fs on the way.

What are your thoughts on the 777-8 Freighter? Are you excited to see it enter service? Let us know in the comments below.

Sources: Boeing, Air Cargo News, Silk Way West Airlines, Lufthansa, Cargolux, Ethiopian Airlines, ch-aviation