Boeing's 777X Testing Campaign Takes Off with Seventh Aircraft's Maiden Flight

Boeing's seventh 777-9 completed its first flight on July 24, marking an important milestone in the testing campaign for the long-delayed aircraft. The plane took off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, and flew for approximately three hours over Washington, Idaho, and Oregon before landing back at the field that evening.

An engineering pilot on board the flight reported that the airplane performed 'beautifully,' according to Boeing. The company plans to use this jet to conduct extended operations (ETOPS) and function and reliability testing over the next several months.

The 777X has faced numerous delays since development began in the early 2010s, including cracks in the engine thrust links and an 'uncommanded pitch event' in 2020. However, Boeing now expects the type to be certified and enter commercial service in 2027, after largely stabilizing the program over the last two years.