The Federal Aviation Administration has approved a new wing design that allows aircraft to be equipped with folding wingtips.
As of mid-June, the approval covers the folding wingtips on Boeing 777X aircraft. These wingtips are constructed from carbon fiber–reinforced plastic and reduce the wingspan from 235 feet to 212 feet when folded. The reduced wingspan complies with Code E gate dimensions, enabling these larger jets to use gates normally reserved for aircraft with smaller wingspans. The wings are certified in their extended configuration for flight and may be folded to the shorter measurement only after landing.
The Boeing 777X, part of the broader 777 and 787 Dreamliner family, introduces several passenger-focused and structural improvements. The new models include larger windows, a refined lighting system designed to enhance passenger comfort, and updated interior architecture. Boeing will offer two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9. These models differ in length, seating capacity (approximately 375 seats for the 777-8 and about 425 for the 777-9), and range, but both share the same wingspan and the newly approved folding wingtips.
In other aviation developments, NASA is experimenting with wingtips that can fold during flight. In-flight folding wingtips could help aircraft adapt to changing weather and wind conditions, offering potential benefits for handling and efficiency in turbulent or variable environments.