Boeing's 777-9 Deliveries Delayed Till 2027 Amid Retrofit Efforts
Boeing is facing significant delays in delivering its 777-9 aircraft due to ongoing rework efforts. The company must retrofit approximately 30 completed airframes to meet final certification specifications, which will push back first deliveries until 2027.
The 777-9 program began in 2013 with a goal of entering service by 2020, but prolonged FAA certification following the 737 MAX incidents has extended the production timeline. The rework process is complex and time-consuming, requiring structural and software updates for the undelivered aircraft.
Boeing has created a dedicated team to manage the rework process, which involves extensive modifications including wiring, software, and structural changes. Some older units have been scrapped due to high modification costs exceeding their value.