777X

WAIT. STOP. WHAT IS THAT THING BEHIND ME?!

^mirin’… hard

IT’S THE 777-9!!!!!!!!!

Today, the 777-9 was unveiled within the company to mixed emotions. Heavy on our minds, was the pain from the recent Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines tragedies.

However, lifting us up, was today’s event. Originally, this was supposed to be the big public debut of the 777X, with major press, music, and partying, but it was scaled back in light of recent events. The crowd was quietly buzzing with energy and pride. It was easy to see the excitement that everyone had, finally getting the chance to see their hard work in person. So much work went into making this plane a reality. I’ve personally spent the last 4-years and 1-months of my life on this airplane, working with some of the most amazing people, and the brightest minds that I have ever met. While there were many lows, in the form of stress, and burn out along the way, I’m glad I stuck with it, and to have been a part of the team effort.

What struck me, was the incredible feeling of accomplishment today; at a level that I have never experienced before. One could easily sense it in others. For me, this feeling was a little bit unexpected, I honestly felt somewhat jaded this past year, but when I walked through the curtains, and saw that plane for the first time, it was amazing. I was so happy, and I was so glad to be able to share this moment of joy with everyone I met along the way. I kept running into familiar faces, and shook so many hands. We took this from a paper airplane, to a real airplane!

HOW COOL IS THAT?!

With the 737 MAX 8, there is an unmistakable sadness in the company. My heart goes out to anyone affected by Flights 610 and 302. I’m sure we’ll be learning more soon, and that the industry will become stronger, smarter, and better from this. Working on the 777X Airplane Development program allowed me to see firsthand how much thought and effort goes into making commercial aviation the safest form of transportation. Everyone here knows the responsibility they carry in designing and manufacturing a safe product, one that the flying public can trust and depend on. The oversight and work from Airplane Safety and Certification teams, and the FAA, is real. Safety has always been our top priority, and will continue to be our top priority.

But for now, some photos…