American Airlines Flies Un-Certified Boeing 777X, Praises Features

Boeing's certification process for its wide-body aircraft, the 777X, is underway, and American Airlines has been participating in the evaluations. The airline recently flew the un-certified Boeing 777-9, with one of their test pilots praising its features, calling them 'AAmazing.'

The pilot was likely referring to the plane's folding wings and GE9X engines. While no order for the 777X has been confirmed by American Airlines, the timing suggests serious interest in deploying the aircraft in the 2030s.

American Airlines is currently evaluating wide-body options as part of its fleet renewal plans. The airline retired 75 long-haul jets during the pandemic and now relies on aging 777s and delayed 787s. Its current RFP covers both Boeing and Airbus options, with a focus on supplementing its existing widebody fleet rather than replacing it.

The 777-9 would target premium-heavy routes like London and Tokyo while newer 787s handle thinner markets. Final testing for the certification process remains incomplete, with first delivery now slated for 2027.