Boeing has finally begun certification flight testing for its long-delayed 777-9 with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on board. This marks a significant milestone for the planemaker after facing production issues and regulatory hurdles following a safety incident with the 737 MAX earlier this year. The first certification flight took place Friday evening, with the third 777-9 test aircraft taking off from Seattle Boeing Field Airport for a nearly two-hour flight.
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The 777-9 began certification flight testing at Boeing Field in Seattle, an important step as we work under the oversight of our regulator to get the airplane certified and deliver it to customers around the world. pic.twitter.com/xayL7ncLKw
— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) July 13, 2024
This flight signifies the official commencement of the certification process, allowing FAA pilots to actively participate in evaluating the aircraft's performance. Prior to this development, Boeing had received Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) from the FAA. This authorization essentially greenlights the official testing phase after a thorough examination of technical data by the regulators. The TIA paves the way for a series of tests designed to validate the safety, reliability, and overall performance of the 777-9 before it can be cleared for commercial operations.
According to Boeing, the 777-9 test fleet will undergo the most intensive commercial flight test program the company has ever undertaken. This heightened scrutiny comes after a series of setbacks for Boeing, including the aforementioned 737 MAX incident and its aftermath. The 777-9 is a twin-engine jet designed for long-haul routes. It boasts fuel efficiency improvements and can seat up to 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration. With a projected range exceeding 8,400 miles, the 777-9 is expected to be a key player in Boeing's commercial aircraft portfolio.
Emirates, the launch customer for the 777-X family that includes the 777-9, has expressed cautious optimism regarding the certification timeline. The airline's chairman previously indicated that they don't anticipate delivery before the first quarter of 2025. This initial certification flight signifies a critical step forward for Boeing as they seek to get the 777-9 certified and delivered to airlines around the world. While the road to commercial operation may still take some time, this development marks a positive sign for Boeing and the future of the 777-9 program.