Boeing Begins 777X Certification Flights

Boeing is taking the proper steps to obtain the certification for its upcoming 777X as it achieves a significant milestone.

The American plane maker is celebrating the launch of test flights for its 777-9, which is part of the 777X family and is supervised by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Boeing’s 777X has been clouded by consistent entry-into-service delays, which have been highlighted thanks to the challenges the planemaker has experienced.

Airline customers of the 777X were expecting a first delivery in 2020. However, as the planemaker battled challenges with other aircraft and a pandemic, this was ultimately unattainable.

As Boeing’s internal struggles continued, the inability to certify the 777X became a focal point for the business.

On several occasions, the manufacturer would readjust its expected timeline for certification, but then it would be once more unable to follow through with it.

Boeing says it’s targeting first delivery of the 777X sometime in early 2025. However, the leading customer of the aircraft in Emirates has doubts this can be achieved.

Emirates has been the most prominent backer and, most notably, the most vocal over the aircraft and its lack of certification. The airline has sought compensation on several occasions and voiced its frustrations publicly over the negative impact on its business due to the delays.

Meanwhile, other leading customers of Lufthansa have stated it doesn’t expect to have the 777X enter service until the summer schedule of 2026, permitting further delays not to eventuate.

The FAA’s scrutiny of how new aircraft are certified has increased substantially in the last five years following the flaws of the 737 MAX and the emergence of problems with Boeing’s previously established certification process.

Getting this plane up and running has been challenging due to Boeing’s increased focus on certification and oversight of the manufacturing process from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Looking ahead with the FAA present, Boeing will now work towards satisfactory completion of the most comprehensive commercial flight test effort seen.

Once done, the 777X is expected to be one of the safest types in the sky and ready to significantly boost airlines’ performances across long-haul missions with the latest levels of efficiency.