Boeing Begins Production of 777-8 Freighter — The World’s Largest and Most Capable Twin-Engine Cargo Jet

Boeing has officially commenced production of the 777-8 Freighter, the latest addition to its 777X family and the most advanced twin-engine freighter ever built. The milestone began with a traditional first step in major assembly—drilling the initial hole in the wing spar—signifying the start of what will be the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine cargo aircraft.

“This is one of those moments you don’t forget,” said McDowell, a Boeing program leader. “Having our team together as we got underway on this airplane was special.”

Since the program’s launch in 2022, Boeing has secured 59 orders for the 777-8 Freighter from airlines and cargo operators around the world. The first delivery is targeted for 2028.

A Full-Circle Moment for a Boeing Veteran

For Robin Thorning, an automation manager who has spent 38 years at Boeing, the launch of the 777-8 Freighter is especially meaningful.

“I helped build the very first 777—WA001—early in my career,” Thorning shared. “Now, being part of launching the newest member of the 777X family is incredibly exciting.”

The Thorning family’s Boeing legacy runs deep. Robin, his father, son, and daughter have collectively contributed nearly a century of service to the company.

“To touch these incredible airplanes and help bring them to life is a privilege,” he said. “We take our work seriously as we continue striving to build safer and more efficient airplanes.”

Inside the Build: Composite Wing Center’s Role

Key components for the 777-8 Freighter are being manufactured at Boeing’s Composite Wing Center (CWC), where teams have fabricated the wing spars, skin panels, and stringers.

Each wing contains two spars—front and rear—measuring 108 feet (33 meters) in length.

Producing a pair of spars requires 392 miles of carbon fiber tape, roughly the driving distance from Everett, Washington, to Montana.

The combined weight of a pair of spars is approximately 2,500 pounds.

What’s Next: Assembling the Wings

The completed spars will be transported to Boeing’s main assembly facility, where they’ll be integrated into the first 777-8 Freighter wings alongside other CWC-fabricated parts.

“You are leading the way as we introduce our newest freighter into our production system,” said Jason Clark, vice president and general manager of the 777/777X program. “Thank you for building our future.”

Since Boeing announced the 777-8F variant in 2022, the manufacturer has received firm orders for 59 777-8Fs from airlines and cargo carriers around the world, including Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, ANA, Cargolux, and Silk Way West.

Boeing aircraft currently provide more than 90% of the global air freighter capacity. The company’s commercial market outlook for 2025 projected a 67% increase in the global freighter fleet by 2044, including 885 large widebodies.