Boeing is taking a critical step in the long-delayed 777X program. The first flight of the serial production 777X aircraft is planned for April. The certification process is ongoing.
U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing is preparing for an important milestone in the 777X program, which has long been marked by delays. According to a company document obtained by Reuters, the first flight of the serial production Boeing 777X aircraft is planned to take place in April. This step is seen as a critical advance in the program’s certification and delivery process.
Fuel and Engine Tests Have Begun
According to the document, Boeing is conducting fuel tests on 777X aircraft ordered by Lufthansa ahead of engine tests scheduled for later this month. The tests are being carried out at Boeing’s Paine Field facility in Everett.
The serial production 777X aircraft was spotted on Tuesday by a Reuters reporter at one of Boeing’s fuel docks at Paine Field.
$15 Billion Loss, 6-Year Delay
Boeing has recorded losses of $15 billion to date due to the 777X development program running approximately six years behind schedule. Although the company’s test aircraft fleet has logged more flight hours than any other Boeing program, certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA has yet to be obtained.
As part of the certification process, tests conducted using serial production aircraft in delivery-ready configuration are also mandatory.
Boeing: Serial Production Aircraft Will Be Used in Tests
In a statement on the matter, a Boeing spokesperson said:
“In addition to the dedicated flight test fleet, some production airplanes will support testing that does not require flight-test-specific equipment and instrumentation.”
Boeing declined to comment on the document obtained by Reuters or on specific aircraft plans.
Lufthansa Placed Its Order in 2013
According to aviation data analytics firm Cirium, Lufthansa placed its order for the 777-9 aircraft in 2013, the same year Boeing announced the 777X program. First deliveries are planned for 2026.
Boeing’s Long-Haul Flagship
The 777X is positioned as the successor to Boeing’s iconic 747 and 777 models, while also serving as a complementary platform to the 787 Dreamliner. Together, these aircraft make up Boeing’s long-range wide-body aircraft portfolio.
However, despite years of dominance in this market, Boeing is facing increasing competition from its European rival Airbus.
New Risk Disclosure Related to Engines
Last week, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg announced that a potential new issue had been identified in the 777X engines produced by GE Aerospace. Nevertheless, Boeing emphasizes that this is not expected to change plans for the first 777X aircraft to be delivered next year.
