Why Didn’t Boeing Build The World’s Longest Commercial Aircraft With Folding Wings?

One of the most striking features of the upcoming Boeing 777X is its folding wingtips, which retract on the ground to ensure the plane can meet airport size standards. When the plane is gearing up for takeoff, the wings will extend to provide a larger wingspan and all the performance and efficiency advantages thereof. The 777X will be the first commercial aircraft certified with folding wingtips, but the concept itself is nothing new.