The new Boeing 777-9, the larger, shorter-range version of the 777X, has 8% more belly-hold cargo capacity than the current production 777-300ER, as confirmed by Boeing. The first 777X test flight was carried on 25th Jan 2020, and the company expects to begin deliveries in 2021.
The 777-9 will be able to carry up to four more LD-3 containers than the 777-300ER. The new plane’s cargo capacity is 7,707 cubic feet, while the -300Rs capacity is 7,120 cubic feet. The size of the cargo payload is contingent on other factors, such as interior configurations, passenger baggage allowances and trip length.
Boeing also offers a freighter version of the current aircraft and has delivered 179 of 232 777Fs ordered to date. Boeing has no current plans for an all-cargo version of the 777X.
Boeing has been bullish on the cargo market, predicting in its World Air Cargo Forecast for 2018-2037 that airfreight traffic would grow 4.2% per year over the 20-year period. Cargo volumes have contracted due to challenging trade environments. Improvements in industrial production and global trade will be key to rebounding the air traffic cargo market in 2020.
Source : Various Agencies