The 777 was originally conceived as a stretched 767, but Boeing instead adopted an all new design. Notable 777 design features include a unique fuselage cross section, Boeing's first application of fly-by-wire, an advanced technology glass flightdeck with five liquid crystal displays, comparatively large scale use of composites (10% by weight), and advanced and extremely powerful engines. The 777 was also offered with optional folding wings where the outer 6m/21ft of each would fold upwards for operations at space restricted airports.

The basic 777-200 as launched in October 1990 was offered in two versions, the basic 777-200 (initially A-Market) and the increased weight longer range 777-200IGW (Increased Gross Weight, initially B-Market). The IGW has since been redesignated 777-200ER.

The 777-200 first flew on June 12 1994, with FAA and JAA certification awarded on April 19 1995. The FAA awarded full 180 minutes ETOPS clearance for PW4074 -200s on May 30 that year. First customer delivery was to United Airlines in May 1995. The first 777-200IGW/ER was delivered to British Airways in February 1997.

The 777-100X was a proposed shortened ultra long range (16,000km/8635nm) model, dropped in favour of the 777-200LR (originally 777-200X) design study. Boeing claims the 777-200LR will be the longest ranging airliner, capable of flying 16,417km (8865nm) - 18 hours flying time. It will achieve this with awesomely powerful 489kN (110,000lb) thrust GE90-110B1 turbofans, a significantly increased max takeoff weight and optional auxiliary fuel tanks in the rear cargo hold. Other changes include 2m (6.5ft) raked wingtips, new main landing gear, structural strengthening and optional overhead crew and flight attendant rest stations above the cabin. The 777-200LR was launched in 2000, but is now delayed until 2006.