Boeing resumed testing for its long-delayed 777X widebody jet on Thursday, with the first flight since the U.S. planemaker grounded the test fleet in August due to the failure of a key engine mounting structure.
The grounding came just five weeks after it had started certification flights for the 777-9 with officials from the U.S. aviation regulator onboard.
Federal Aviation Administration staff were not on board for Thursday’s flight, according to the company.
Boeing’s Successful 777’s Successor
The 777X is the successor to Boeing‘s 777, one of the most commercially successful long-haul airliners. The company initially planned to deliver the first 777X to launch customer Qatar Airways in 2020.
First delivery of the 777-9 has since been pushed back to 2026, followed by the smaller 777-8 and a freighter version later in the decade.
Boeing’s other 777X airline customers include Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific Airways. The planemaker has 481 777X orders, including 170 from Emirates and 60 from Qatar, according to Cirium, an aviation industry analytics company.
Boeing’s 777-9 test plane made a return flight from Boeing Field in Seattle to Moses Lake, Washington on Thursday.
“We continue to execute a rigorous test program to demonstrate the safety, performance and reliability of the 777-9,” Boeing said after it landed in the afternoon.
A company spokesperson declined to comment on how the airplane performed during the flight.
777X Grounded Due To Engine Issues
Boeing in August grounded its 777X aircraft due to engine issues, halting test flights that had been progressing towards certification.
The problem, identified during routine testing, is related to the aircraft’s engines, which are supplied by GE Aviation.
This issue has led to a temporary suspension of flight operations while the company works on resolving the technical problem.
The 777X, a highly anticipated long-range, wide-body aircraft, is expected to enter service with major airlines in the coming years, and this delay could impact its timeline for certification.
Boeing has not specified the exact nature of the engine malfunction but has assured regulators and customers that it is working diligently to address the situation.
This setback comes as Boeing has already faced challenges with its 737 MAX programme in recent years.
The American company’s response to these engine issues is crucial for maintaining customer trust and meeting its production goals.
(With inputs from Reuters)
