A seventh Boeing 777-9 test aircraft has completed its first flight, joining the certification campaign for the long-delayed widebody.
The approximately three-hour flight took place on July 24, according to Boeing, departing from Paine Field in Everett, Washington. The aircraft flew over Washington, Idaho and Oregon before returning to the airport.
Boeing said the aircraft will be used for Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) and function-and-reliability testing, two of the final stages of the certification process before the type enters commercial service.
ETOPS certification allows twin-engine aircraft to operate on routes that take them farther from suitable diversion airports, including many transoceanic flights. Function-and-reliability testing requires manufacturers to demonstrate that an aircraft can operate consistently under conditions that resemble day-to-day airline service.
Seventh 777-9 test aircraft | Boeing
The 777-9 test fleet has accumulated more than 4,800 flight hours, Boeing said. In addition to the dedicated flight-test aircraft, production-standard airplanes are also participating in certification activities.
The manufacturer continues to target certification and first deliveries in 2027, roughly seven years later than originally planned. The 777X program has faced repeated delays stemming from certification requirements, design changes and production issues.
The 777X family includes the passenger 777-9, the smaller 777-8 and the 777-8 Freighter. Boeing said customers have placed more than 650 orders for the family.
