After Emirates Airlines and Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) , the assembly of the first All Nippon Airways Boeing 777X has started.
The beginning of the assembly was confirmed by a picture taken at Boeing Everett facility of the 777-9 1629 registered JA0171 that emerged online on February 24, 2020. The aircraft does not bear any distinctive sign and has yet to be fitted with its GE9X engines.
ANA 777-9 line 1629 JA071A on the Everett flightline pic.twitter.com/lKLvqfNp15
— Paine Airport (@mattcawby) February 24, 2020
The Japanese airline ordered 20 Boeing 777-9 in July 2014 to renew its aging Boeing 777-300ERs. “The aircraft we have selected will enable us to modernize and further expand our fleet,” said ANA President Shinichiro Ito at the time. “These new aircraft will give us maximum flexibility and improved fuel efficiency and will allow us to meet the growth in demand, both internationally and in our domestic market.” ANA should receive its first Boeing 777X by March 2021.
On February 25, 2020, ANA Holdings (ALNPY) , the parent company of All Nippon Airways (ANA), placed a firm order for 12 Boeing 787s (including 11 787-10s and one 787-9) and an option for five 787-9 Dreamliners. The deal, worth over $5 billion at list prices, is the first commercial passenger aircraft order which Boeing has landed in 2020.