Boeing discusses 777-9 operations at BIA

Monday, 23 June 2025 03:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A high-level discussion on the upcoming operations of Boeing’s newest wide-body aircraft, the 777-9, was held last week at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), as part of preparations for the aircraft’s anticipated entry into service in 2026.

Richard Vaisvila and Napoleon Tomasino from Boeing Airport Operations Engineering, USA, met with key officials from Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd., the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines, and senior technical officers to explore operational readiness and infrastructure requirements for accommodating the new-generation aircraft at BIA.

During the meeting, Boeing representatives delivered a detailed presentation on the advanced design features of the 777-9, the latest evolution of the iconic 777 family. Combining the proven reliability of the 777-300ER with the state-of-the-art technologies from the 787 Dreamliner, the 777-9 introduces a revolutionary fourth generation composite wing.

One of the most notable innovations of the 777-9 is its folding wingtip (FWT) mechanism. This feature allows the aircraft to maintain a larger wingspan during flight — offering improved aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy — while folding the wingtips on the ground to comply with existing airport gate dimensions. This hybrid design enables the aircraft to meet ICAO Code E airport compatibility requirements, despite having a Code F wingspan in flight.

Boeing officials highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of the 777-9, emphasising reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and minimised impact on airport infrastructure due to the FWT. The meeting also focused on gate parking logistics, infrastructure adaptations, and operational protocols necessary for smooth integration of the aircraft into BIA’s flight operations.

Airport and aviation authorities expressed strong interest in supporting the transition and pledged to work closely with Boeing in the lead-up to the aircraft’s operational launch.

The Boeing 777-9 is expected to become a flagship aircraft for long-haul travel globally, and Sri Lanka’s readiness to accommodate it at BIA marks a significant step in modernising the country’s aviation capabilities.