
Boeing’s 777X test flights resume after a brief pause, signaling progress amid ongoing challenges.
At a Glance
- Boeing resumes 777X test flights following engine mounting structure issues
- Certification program restarted after five-month delay due to thrust link failures
- First 777X delivery now pushed to 2026, with 481 orders from major carriers
- Boeing plans 10% workforce reduction by January 2025 to remain competitive
- FAA certification flights began in July, with over 1,300 test flights conducted
Boeing 777X Returns to the Skies
Boeing has resumed test flights for its highly anticipated 777X aircraft, marking a crucial step forward in the plane’s development.
The fact that they paused to begin with is likely to raise some safety concerns for future riders after a tumultuous few years.
The aviation giant’s third 777-9 aircraft took to the skies on January 15, 2025, following a five-month hiatus prompted by engine thrust link failures discovered in August 2024. This latest test flight, conducted without Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) staff on board, saw the aircraft travel from Boeing Field in Seattle to Moses Lake, Washington.
The resumption of test flights comes as a relief to Boeing, which has faced numerous setbacks in the 777X program. The company has been working diligently to address the structural issues identified during routine maintenance, replacing the problematic parts and conducting thorough investigations on each test plane.
Certification Progress and Delivery Delays
Despite the recent progress, Boeing has further delayed the first 777X delivery to 2026. This latest postponement adds to a series of setbacks for the program, which was initially slated to enter service in 2020. The 777X, designed as a more advanced version of the widely acclaimed Boeing 777, is set to be a game-changer for long-distance international flights, boasting a passenger capacity of around 426 and a range of 7,200 nautical miles.
“We continue to execute a rigorous test program to demonstrate the safety, performance and reliability of the 777-9,” Boeing said.
The certification process for the 777X has been under intense scrutiny. Boeing began FAA certification flights in July, with over 1,300 test flights conducted by the end of last month. The company remains committed to ensuring the aircraft meets all safety and performance standards before entering commercial service.
The delays and technical challenges faced by the 777X program have had significant implications for Boeing and its customers. Major carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Singapore Airlines have placed orders for the aircraft, with a total of 481 orders on the books. Emirates leads with 170 orders, followed by Qatar Airways with 60.
In response to these challenges, Boeing has announced plans to lay off approximately 10% of its workforce by January 2025. This move, coupled with other structural changes, is aimed at maintaining the company’s competitiveness in the global aviation market. Boeing is set to announce its Q4 financial results on January 28, which will likely provide further insight into the company’s strategy moving forward.
As Boeing continues to navigate the complexities of bringing the 777X to market, the aviation industry watches closely.