Amid investor speculation that Boeing has started planning a new single-aisle aircraft, a separate series of reports indicates that the much-delayed twin-aisle 777X will be delayed until 2027. If so, that would be the sixth time that the new long-haul aircraft has been delayed since Boeing introduced it in 2013.
The new aircraft was intended to have a commercial debut in 2020.
The is no clear explanation for the cause of any current delay in the program is unknown, but analysts speculate the expanded level of involvement by the Federal Aviation Administration has extended testing programs.
There is no indication that the same issue may affect the still pending certification of Boeing’s 737 MAX-10.
The 777X is a twin-engine, long-range aircraft that modernizes the current 777 to improve fuel efficiency while also incorporating the more spacious passenger cabin achieved with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.
While Boeing has strived to minimize any difficulties in developing the 777X, several of the delays have been traced to new design details, for example, the GE Aerospace GE9X turbofan engine, which is described as the largest and most powerful commercial aircraft engine.
The 777X is also designed to match the 787’s flight systems – for flight crews’ familiarity. To ensure the new aircraft will be able to operate from existing hangars and gates, its longer wings have folding carbon-composite tips.
In 2024, inspectors found cracks on a “thrust link” in place between the engines and wings to balance loads for the aircraft, leading to a halt to the aircraft testing program. Those tests were resumed in January of this year.
The new aircraft will be offered in three variants, the 777-8 for up to 395 passengers and a range of 8,745 nautical miles (16,196 km / 10,064 mi); the 777-9 for 426 passengers and a range of 7,285 nmi (13,492 km; 8,383 mi) ; and a freighter model.
Boeing lists a total of 551 orders for the 777X, mostly for the larger 777-9. During the current year,
Boeing has not confirmed the report of the delay, but CEO Kelly Ortberg last month confirmed to an investor conference that details in the 777X certification were likely to delay the commercial launch.
The same report that indicated the latest delay also noted that the 777X launch customer Lufthansa has not included the 777X in its fleet plan.
Other airlines that would be affected by the delay include Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways. During the current year, Taiwan’s China Airlines and Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airlines have placed new orders for the 777X.
