Why the Boeing 777X is the first commercial plane with folding wings and why they stay unfolded in flight
Published on Jan 24, 2026 at 11:26 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jan 22, 2026 at 10:24 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
Did you know that the Boeing 777X is the first commercial plane to come with folding wings – and they stay unfolded in flight?
Its full wingspan is 235.5 feet, which would make it too wide to fit in many existing airport gates.
By folding the wings up at the end, the 777X is able to fit into airports with no hassle.
But why do they stay unfolded mid-flight?
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Taking a closer look at the folding wings of the Boeing 777X
We’re used to seeing commercial planes with a wide wingspan.
But this is something else.
You know how they say everything’s bigger in Texas?
Well, the Boeing 777X must have rolled straight out of Dallas, because this is one seriously big plane.
Its wings are 23 feet longer than those on a 777, intended to make the plane more fuel efficient.
But with a bigger wingspan, you have to take fitting into airports into account.
And that’s where folding wingtips come into play.
Not that you’ll see them like this while the plane is in the air.
Extended wings are needed for peak performance and maximum lift.
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How does the plane look in action?
As you might imagine, seeing a plane of this size in motion is an impressive display.
And we’ve seen that in videos of the plane’s takeoff.
Plenty of clips have been doing the rounds online, like this one where a 777X endured a crosswind test in Texas.
Some of these videos will leave you questioning your own sense of reality – remember this clip?
Timeline of Boeing 777X
2013: Boeing officially announced the Boeing 777X program, targeting 2020 as the point at which it’d enter service.
2020: The 777X makes its first maiden flight on January 25.
2021: First delivery shifts from 2021 to 2023/2024 after the FAA delayed certification.
2022: Further delays push anticipated deliveries back to 2025.
2024: The 777X is grounded after the discovery of a structural link issue, prompting additional inspections.
2025: Testing resumed in January. As of November, 619 total orders have been placed.
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Following stints at LadBible, The Sun, The New York Post, and the Daily Mail, Ben joined the team full-time in February 2025. In his role as Senior Content Writer, his sparkling copy, the ability to sniff out a good story at 100 paces, and a GSOH quickly led to him becoming an integral and invaluable member of the writing staff.
