Why Boeing 777 is very successful?

Why Boeing 777-300 is very successful?

Boeing 777-300 is one of the most successful aircraft series of Boeing in its history for sure. But what makes it the most demanded aircraft in wide body aircraft category? There are plenty of reasons behind it but I will try to highlight the main dynamics.

Main figures:

Before starting the analysis, let's take a look at the order and delivery figures and additionally which airlines and more specifically which regions over the world have been showing interest on the model. 

As of March 2016, Boeing 777 (including all variances of the model) has 1.747 orders and 1.236 of it have been already delivered. It is very interesting that 70% of these 1.747 orders has been made by 16 airlines around the world. 

The below given table indicates these airlines and their total orders as of March 2016, provided in Boeing's web page. Emirates takes the lead with 286 total orders and Qatar Airways follows it with 119 orders. The table only indicates airlines has more 30 orders but it is sufficient enough to demonstrate how Middle East airlines are intensively demanding the model.

Airways	Orders
Emirates	286
Qatar Airways	119
Singapore Airlines	73
ILF	71
Cathay Pacific Airways	70
United Airlines	68
American Airlines	67
GECAS	63
ANA	60
Air France	59
Korean Air	51
British Airways	50
Etihad Airways	49
Saudi Arabian Airlines	43
Turkish Airlines	32
Fedex	31

Where demand comes from:
As may seen, the aircraft model has been in huge demand of especially Middle East countries. Almost 2 out of 3 orders have been placed by ME countries, therefore it would be worth to analyses why these countries are showing great interest on this model.

In order to fulfill this analyses, we need to focus some different areas as covered below. Please note, it is very easy to increase the natures for its huge demand but I believe the below given ones are the most highlighted ones, especially for eastern countries. 

Why they demand?:
Middle East countries have the longest flight ranges since the region is just in the middle of west and east. US flights mostly take more 11 hours and Asia flights take 10 hours on average. Thus, the airlines in the region need an unique combination of superior range, including fuel efficiency. Boeing 777 is certainly the answer for this demand. And please do not forget Boeing 772 LR still keeps the world record long range flight which took 12.000 miles (21.6K kms) which took almost 23 hours non-stop flight!

1) Fuel Efficiency:
 
The Boeing 777 has a perfect fuel efficiency which becomes one of the most important factors for the airlines having these such long commercial ranges on daily basis.Boeing 777-300 ER provides more than 10% fuel efficiency comparing to its competitors. (source:Boeing)

There are 2 main triggers for its fuel efficiency; 

a) one of them is its special design for fuel efficiency. The 777 integrates advanced materials, aerodynamic. 

b) And secondly it uses the world's most powerful jet engines (GE90) to produce the most reliable airplane. Using twin engines instead of 4 engines also contributes to the fuel efficiency.

2) Combination of Superior Ranges:

Since Middle East and Asian airline companies (where most demand comes from) need medium and long ranges with fuel efficiency. Boeing 777 is the answer for this demand since it can fly non-stop from Dubai to Buenes Aries, San Fransisco, Los Angeles, Honolulu and Auckland.

There are many other models can fly these distances but airlines need a payload capacity between 300 and 360 passengers since this is the average passengers capacity of these routes. With flying full capacity and 2 twin engines plays hard for being the most efficient model for these routes.

3) Common demographic characteristic of the passengers:

Passengers flying from these countries to the both east and west are more tend to use first class,business class and premium economy classes than other passengers around the world. 

There might be 2 reasons behind this; first, the higher income or wellness of these passengers especially flying from Dubai and Qatar. These passengers are seeking comfortable and valuable high class services. 

The second reason for this, the routes are mostly too long to survive in economy classes. Many of the flights, especially on east directions, can take more than 13 hours. With taking into account the time spent during taxi, its average it almost 15 hours! Therefore, most passengers  prefers at least premium economy classes. 

The Boeing 777 is aware of these special requirements and offers variables interiors according to demand.The model is probably the most famous with its unique high quality interior and has been chosen as the having best interior for many years.


The Boeing 777 has wider cabin than any other competing airplane. Airlines gains the utmost flexibility to match cabin configuration to their business strategy and market requirements. Which makes it the most demanded and efficient aircraft for the region and the world.

4) Optimum capacity for passengers, cargo and crew:

Since the model has wider than the other competing models, cabin crew also enjoys the wide cabin as well as the passengers. Furthermore, airlines also uses the B777 for cargo carrying. B777 has the bigger cargo capacity comparing the its competitors. Additionally, longer routes needs more baggage, the model is the correct answer.

Result:

As described in detail, it is now more obvious that the Boeing 777 deserves its worldwide success. This analysis uncovered another fact that Boeing executives has made a great strategy to focus on Middle East and Asia, the model is the most suitable answers for their demands. It does not contributes the profitability of airlines but also pleasure of passengers which indirectly effects the proficiency as well. 

It would be worth to go into more details of the above given factors in the following articles and highlight the numbers and compare them with the competitors. Another note, this analysis also include B777x but I will separately write its contribution on B777 success. 

Thank you for reading and have a wonderful and safety journeys.

Ragards,