The 747-400 set the stage for large aircraft that could be operated with only a pilot and co-pilot. That, in turn, paved the way for the 777's fancy new avioni

The 747-400 set the stage for large aircraft that could be operated with only a pilot and co-pilot. That, in turn, paved the way for the 777's fancy new avionics. Those avionics then went down market, including the then-new 737NG. At least, that is my insider's perspective from the era (95-00).