Singapore Airlines Expects First 777X In 2025

Singapore Airlines has become the latest customer of the Boeing 777X to speak up on the nature of the program and delivery estimates.

It was revealed that forecasts for the first 777X delivery have not changed as part of the broader groups’ publishing of record financial results.

Singapore Airlines says it still expects the first 777X to be delivered sometime in 2025, likely in the second half or latter stages of the year.

While the 777X remains uncertified and the process to get the jet approved is clouded with ongoing difficulties at Boeing, Singapore Airlines remains hopeful.

However, in a bid to cope with the associated delays in obtaining the aircraft, the airline will retain older Boeing 777-300ER jets. Singapore will not be the first and likely will not be the last to keep older jets while these companies await new aircraft types to be delivered.

Singapore Airlines remains one of the largest customers for the Boeing 777X, with orders being converted to the widebody from the 787 in 2021.

Even though the aircraft has experienced continued delays in acquisition, with initial expectations of a 2021/22 delivery, the company remains excited. Once delivered, the 777X is expected to massively elevate the airline’s ability to offer scheduled services efficiently.

777X First Delivery Expectations Differ

Despite Singapore Airlines not adjusting its guidance on 777X deliveries, other airlines feel very different about the matter.

Emirates recently spoke on 777X delays and said they don’t expect the first delivery until 2026. This would represent another delay to the programme as Boeing battles audits and investigations and faces an uphill challenge to turn around its culture.

The Dubai-based carrier has long spoken publicly over the 777X delays and the associated frustrations. Emirates has been forced to adjust its retirement schedule of existing aircraft wildly.

Additionally, the carrier is seeing a major multi-billion dollar retrofit programme take shape on its oldest aircraft types. This programme is expected to be hugely important in ensuring the airline’s older aircraft are up to the same standards as new ones entering operations.

Measures such as these, while being deemed important, are being accelerated with more importance because of factors such as uncertified jets seeing continued delays.

Lufthansa is another recent customer who doubts Boeing’s ability to deliver the aircraft per their latest guidance. If all goes according to plan, the airline’s CEO cited a mid-2026 entry into service in time for the busy summer schedule.

The German flag carrier has been forced to retain older, less efficient aircraft to mitigate capacity losses from 777X delays.