Boeing Signals Progress on Delayed 777X Program With Planned April First Flight

Boeing is preparing for the first flight of a production 777X aircraft in April, marking a significant milestone for the long-delayed widebody jet program. According to a company document reviewed by Reuters, this planned flight is an important signal of progress as the U.S. planemaker works toward first delivery of the aircraft, now expected next year.

The production 777X, ordered by Lufthansa, is currently undergoing fuel testing at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, where Boeing assembles the aircraft. These tests are a critical step ahead of upcoming engine trials scheduled for later this month. A Reuters reporter recently observed the aircraft at one of Boeing’s fuel docks, further underscoring visible momentum in the program.

The 777X program has faced substantial delays and financial challenges. Boeing has taken approximately $15 billion in charges related to the aircraft’s development, which is now about six years behind its original schedule. Despite these setbacks, the 777X test fleet has accumulated more flight hours than any other Boeing aircraft program, reflecting extensive testing efforts.

Certification remains a key hurdle. The Federal Aviation Administration requires testing using a production aircraft configured as if it were ready for delivery. Boeing confirmed that some production airplanes will support testing activities that do not require specialized flight-test instrumentation, alongside the dedicated test fleet. However, the company declined to comment on specific plans for the Lufthansa aircraft or the internal document.

Lufthansa placed its order for the 777-9 variant in 2013, the same year Boeing officially launched the 777X program, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The 777X is designed as the successor to both the iconic Boeing 747 and the popular 777, while complementing the smaller 787 Dreamliner in Boeing’s widebody lineup for long-haul travel.

While Boeing has long dominated the widebody aircraft market, it now faces increasing competition from European rival Airbus. Adding to recent scrutiny, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg disclosed a potential new issue involving the GE Aerospace engines powering the 777X. Still, the company does not expect this concern to affect its current plan to deliver the first 777X aircraft next year.