Boeing 777X Delays Match A350 Development Costs at $15 Billion
Boeing's 777X program has been plagued by delays, incurring $15 billion in related charges. This sum matches the total development cost of Airbus's A350 aircraft. Originally slated for delivery in 2020, the first 777X is now expected to roll out in 2027.
Despite the setbacks and financial strain, over 500 orders remain for the aircraft. However, revenue has been deferred as Boeing absorbs ongoing engineering and inventory costs without generating offsetting sales.
The delays stem from FAA certification overhauls post-737 MAX, pandemic supply chain issues, and rework on 30 stored airframes. Certification standards evolved mid-program, forcing repeated redesigns and testing.
Unlike Airbus's clean-sheet A350, Boeing's incremental approach has backfired financially. The company incurred $4.9 billion in new charges during Q3 2025 alone, bringing the cumulative losses to $15 billion.