Seattle, July 30 - The Boeing 777-9, a cornerstone of the company’s 777X family, has achieved a significant milestone in its long-delayed journey toward certification. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved Boeing to advance to the next phase of the 777-9 certification process, marking a critical step forward for the largest twin-engine jetliner currently in production. This development, reported by Reuters on July 29, 2025, signals progress for a program that has faced numerous setbacks since its inception in 2013. The 777-9, designed to carry approximately 426 passengers in a two-class configuration, aims to redefine long-haul travel with its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, and spacious cabin design.
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The FAA’s clearance allows Boeing to commence the fourth phase of the certification program, which began in July 2024. This phase, known as Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) 2C, focuses on system demonstrations to validate the aircraft’s safety, reliability, and performance under regulatory scrutiny. The approval follows a rigorous evaluation of technical data, ensuring the 777-9 meets stringent safety standards. Boeing’s test fleet, comprising four aircraft, has already logged over 1,400 flights and nearly 4,000 flight hours, including tests for crosswind handling, braking performance, and engine reliability. These efforts underscore Boeing’s commitment to addressing past challenges, such as a 2024 issue with cracked thrust links on the GE9X engine mounts, which temporarily halted testing. The company developed reinforced titanium components and enhanced testing protocols to resolve the issue, satisfying FAA requirements.
The 777-9’s certification journey has been marked by delays, initially targeting a 2020 entry into service but pushed back due to technical difficulties, including issues with the GE9X engines and heightened regulatory oversight following the 737 MAX crisis. The program also faced a 2020 “uncommanded pitch event” during testing, which required significant software updates. Despite these hurdles, Boeing has made strides, with the FAA’s recent streamlining of processes under new leadership facilitating progress. The aircraft, featuring composite wings with folding wingtips and a redesigned cabin, promises a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors, positioning it as a competitive alternative to the Airbus A350-1000.
With 551 orders for the 777X family, including 170 from Emirates and 20 from Lufthansa, the 777-9 represents a substantial revenue opportunity for Boeing, potentially exceeding $150 billion. The company aims to certify the aircraft by late 2025 or early 2026, with first deliveries expected to Lufthansa in 2026. However, challenges remain, including supply chain constraints and the need to restore industry confidence after past regulatory and production issues. The successful completion of this certification phase brings Boeing closer to delivering a transformative aircraft, poised to meet the demands of airlines seeking efficient, high-capacity solutions for long-haul routes.
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