Boeing 777-9 Certification Campaign Hit with Further Delays Over GE9X Engine Issues
Boeing's 777-9 certification campaign may face further delays due to issues with the GE Aerospace GE9X engine. The company's CEO, Kelly Ortberg, announced that testing could extend into 2027 as GE Aerospace requires additional work to certify a solution for a durability issue involving a mid-seal in the engine.
Ortberg stated during the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference that GE remains confident in its solution, but the extra work has reduced the time available to complete certification activities this year. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet authorized Boeing to begin ETOPS certification testing due to the unresolved issue.
Boeing continues to target the first 777-9 delivery in 2027, despite facing multiple delays and technical issues throughout its certification process. Ortberg acknowledged that some deliveries may be reshuffled due to the engine problem, but emphasized that changes remain within financial assumptions already established for the program.