Boeing Scraps First 777X Jet Amid Ongoing Certification Issues

Boeing has scrapped one of its first 777X jets off the production line in Everett, Washington. The aircraft, WH007, was a partially assembled 777-9 and was taken apart using industry best practices for recycling. Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope confirmed that the decision to scrap the aircraft had been made 'a while ago' and was already reflected in the company's finances.

The move highlights ongoing challenges in the long-delayed 777X program, which has faced repeated delays and certification issues. The program is expected to deliver 30 early jets to a separate rework team for modification. Pope emphasized that Boeing had 'learned a lot' from its experience with the 787 Dreamliner and was bringing back experts to identify what worked and what needed improvement.

The 777X family, including the 777-9, is marketed as a major efficiency step, promising to use 20% less fuel and produce 20% fewer emissions than the airplanes it replaces. However, WH007 will never provide any of those in-service savings, and its recycling may only recover some material value.