Boeing employees yesterday joined with community leaders from across the region to celebrate the grand opening of its new 777X Composite Wing Center (CWC) in Everett, Wash.

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.

Boeing has invested more than $1 billion in the Everett site for construction and outfitting of the new building.

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.