The 777X is the next generation of Boeing's 777 aircraft, which comes in two models—the 777-200 and larger 777-300. The 777X will arrive with a whole range of new design features, tech innovations and passenger comforts.

The 777X will also come in two models – the 777-8 and the larger 777-9. The -9 will be introduced first, and that's the one set to start test flights in a matter of weeks. It could go into passenger service by 2020. Boeing already has 273 orders for the plane from airlines including Lufthansa (which will launch the new plane), Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Emirates, Qatar and Etihad.

According to Boeing, the 777-9 will be slightly larger than the current 777-300ER – 7 feet longer and able to carry 18 more passengers, making it the largest twin-engine jet in the company's lineup. The 777-8 will be almost 16 feet shorter than the 777-300ER and will accommodate fewer passengers but will have greater range. Boeing said that the 777X's design innovations and big new GE engines (the largest ever on a Boeing aircraft) will make the 777X 12 percent more fuel-efficient than its newest long-haul rival from Airbus, the A350-1000- which is music to the ears of airlines worried about future fuel price hikes. (See our slideshow at the top of the post for a look at this new jet compared to others.)

Muilenburg revealed the sales shift — planned and part of 777X program — during a call with analysts after Boeing released record fourth-quarter and full 2018 financial results.

Muilenberg said Boeing's two-pronged sales efforts to win 777X orders comes as the company also attempts to secure more orders for the classic 777 model, a strategy aimed at "building a bridge" between the old and new manufacturing programs.

"We still have have some work to do to fill out that bridge," Muilenberg said. "Our confidence continues to grow in our ability to do that." Meet 777X BBJ luxury business jet

Boeing asked three VIP jet interior design companies to produce concepts for a new 777X Business Jet. Here's what they imagined.

Another Russian Fighter Intercepted A US Navy Aircraft

A Russian Su-27 fighter jet has intercepted a US Navy EP-3E Aries plane over the Black Sea near Russian airspace and escorted it away in a safe manner, the Russian Defence Ministry said.

Meanwhile, the US Navy announced that a US reconnaissance aircraft was intercepted earlier on Monday by a Russian fighter jet while flying in international airspace over the Black Sea, Xinhua news agency reported.

Here we go...

The US reconnaissance aircraft was spotted approaching Russia’s airspace and was immediately identified by the Su-27 fighter jet “at a safe distance,” Russian news agencies reported, citing a defence ministry statement.

After reporting back to the communications intelligence unit, the fighter jet escorted it away from the Russian airspace “in compliance with all security and safety requirements,” it said.

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According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the fighter jet returned to its home base after the US plane altered its flight course away from Russian airspace.

The US Navy, in a statement, called the interaction as “determined to be unsafe”, saying the Russian SU-27 conducted “a high speed pass directly in front of the mission aircraft, putting at risk the pilots and crew”.

Also on Monday, a Pentagon spokesperson said that the Russian jet came “very, very close” to the US EP-3 aircraft, adding that it made an additional pass after activating its afterburners to create more turbulence.

There was no communication between the two planes and the encounter lasted about 25 minutes, Spokesperson Eric Pahon told reporters at the Pentagon.

The Pentagon said that the EP-3 was conducting routine operations while the encounter happened, not provoking the Russian activity.

VIDEO: Russian fighter jet intercepts US Navy plane over Black Sea...