Boeing's 777X Certification Delays Leave Airlines Faced with Aging Aircraft

Boeing is facing another major headache as it approaches certification for its 777X aircraft. Emirates and Lufthansa have both expressed concerns about taking delivery of early builds, which were constructed before the final production standard was settled.

The issue affects around 40 aircraft that were built between 2019 and 2020, when initial expectations were for a 2020 entry into service. However, repeated certification delays, test interruptions, and manufacturing changes have pushed back the expected delivery date to 2027.

Emirates President Sir Tim Clark has stated that these early builds are 'not only too old now but also needed too much modification work before they could enter service.' He added that taking on an eight-year-old airframe would undermine the economics of what is meant to be a new-generation flagship widebody.