Boeing Secures FAA Exemption for 777 Freighters Amid Transition to New Model

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Boeing an exemption to certify up to 35 new 777 Freighters from 2028, allowing the company to continue production until a replacement model is available. The exemption addresses a specific cutoff for newly built jets that do not meet fuel-efficiency limits, which will be in effect starting January 1, 2028.

Boeing sought this relief to maintain 777F production while it develops the new 777-8F, which is expected around 2029. The current freighter does not meet the new limits, and the company says it's the only large widebody freighter in production. Airbus is also working on a competing model, the A350F, with a first flight tentatively scheduled for late September.

Boeing currently has 38 unfilled orders for the 777F, but the exemption will allow it to continue certifying these aircraft after the 2027 cutoff. This move supports cargo carriers serving growing demand for air freight, according to Boeing.