Boeing is targeting April for the first flight of a production-standard 777X aircraft, a crucial step toward certification and anticipated deliveries in 2027. The milestone, confirmed by a company document obtained by Reuters, signals progress for the long-delayed program, which has faced numerous setbacks since its launch in 2013.
Currently, a 777X ordered by Lufthansa is undergoing fuel testing at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, with engine tests scheduled for later in February 2026. This aircraft is configured as if ready for delivery, featuring full passenger systems and production-standard hardware, a requirement for the final phase of regulatory approval.
The 777X program has been plagued by delays, initially aiming for a 2020 commercial service entry. Technical challenges, particularly related to engine development and subsequent FAA certification scrutiny, have repeatedly pushed back the timeline. Boeing now anticipates delivering the first aircraft to Lufthansa, its launch customer, in 2027.
A Long and Complex Development
The genesis of the 777X stemmed from Airbus’s introduction of the A350 in 2011. Boeing responded by initiating development of a next-generation 777, aiming to compete with the A350’s size and efficiency. Lufthansa placed an initial order for 34 777X aircraft in 2013, solidifying the program’s launch.
Development involved establishing a new assembly line, incorporating wings constructed from polymer reinforced with carbon fiber and integrating the new General Electric GE9X engines. The GE9X engines, once operational, will be the largest ever installed on a commercial airliner. The first prototype completed assembly in 2019, but certification issues with the GE9X engines delayed its first flight until March 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, leading to postponements of deliveries from 2021 to 2023 and incurring a $6.5 billion charge for Boeing. Ongoing delays in certification, stemming from both engine concerns and structural issues, have continued to push back the commercial debut, first to 2025, then 2026, and now to 2027.
Some airlines, including Lufthansa, have been forced to reactivate older, less efficient aircraft, such as the Airbus A340-600, to compensate for the absence of the new 777X and the delays in receiving other new aircraft.
Technical Specifications and Market Demand
The Boeing 777X, designed as a successor to the 777 and a potential replacement for the 747, represents a significant advancement in aircraft technology. The 777-9 variant, the longer of the two initially planned models, will measure 76.73 meters in length, surpassing the 747-8 by approximately half a meter to become the world’s longest airliner. Its wingspan will extend to 71.75 meters, reducing to 64.85 meters when wingtips are folded for airport compatibility. The aircraft’s height is 19.68 meters.
The 777-8 variant will accommodate up to 395 passengers, while the 777-9 can seat up to 426 passengers, depending on cabin configuration. The maximum takeoff weight exceeds 350 tonnes, and the fuel capacity reaches 197,360 liters, providing a range exceeding 16,000 kilometers for the shorter variant and 13,500 kilometers for the longer one. The aircraft is powered by two General Electric GE9X-105B1A engines, each delivering 489 kN of thrust.
Despite the delays, demand for the 777X remains strong. As of mid-2025, Boeing had secured over 540 firm orders for the aircraft, with Emirates emerging as the largest customer following a significant order of 65 777-9s at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025, valued at $38 billion. Other key customers include Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, British Airways, China Airlines, and All Nippon Airways.
However, uncertainties remain regarding the GE9X engine. GE Aerospace is currently analyzing a potential durability issue involving a seal, which could necessitate redesign or retrofit work during maintenance. Boeing leadership maintains that deliveries can still commence in 2027, but the resolution of this engine issue will be critical to meeting that target.
The April test flight represents a pivotal moment for Boeing and the 777X program. Successful completion of this milestone will pave the way for final certification and, the delivery of a new generation of long-haul aircraft to airlines worldwide.
