Boeing opened its new 777X Composite Wing Center in Everett, Washington. Boeing has invested more than $1 billion in the Everett site for construction and outfitting of the new building.

The facility, located on the north side of the main final assembly building, will manufacture the world's largest composite wings for the 777X, the company's newest commercial jetliner, and sustain thousands of Puget Sound area jobs. The CWC is more than 27 acres under one roof – the equivalent to 24 football fields, company officials reported. The building will contain three of the world's largest autoclaves – each big enough to fit two Boeing 737 fuselages inside.

"Today's event is bigger than celebrating the opening of a magnificent new building," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President/CEO Ray Conner. "It's about our employees, and shared success with our partners around the region and in Olympia in keeping the Puget Sound at the forefront of aerospace leadership for decades to come."

According to company officials, the 777X advances the world's most efficient twin-aisle family of airplanes. Two models will comprise the 777X family – the 777-8X, with approximately 350 seats and a range capability of more than 9,300 nautical miles; and the 777-9X, with approximately 400 seats and a range of more than 8,200 nautical miles. The 777-8X competes directly with the Airbus A350-1000, while the 777-9X is in a class by itself, serving a market segment that no other airplane can.

To date, the 777X has accumulated 320 orders and commitments from six customers worldwide. Production of the 777X is scheduled to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted in 2020.