Boeing 777X fly to Curaçao on certification flights
One of three Boeing 777-9 test aircraft took off on Tuesday for a scheduled 7-hour flight to Curacao in the Caribbean.
The prototype, registration N779XX (BOE2), departed Boeing Field Airport in Seattle at 7:40 a.m. (local time) bound for Hato/Willemstad International Airport.
Although Boeing has not yet released details about the flight, it is understood that it will be another step in the widebody’s certification program with the FAA.
Certification flights with the 777-9 test aircraft resumed in January after a five-month hiatus due to cracks found in the turbofan thrust mounts.
Boeing modified the aircraft, and three of the four planes have since been flying between Seattle, Everett and Moses Lake, Washington.
Located at sea level in a hot and humid climate, Curaçao Airport has a single 11,188-foot (3,410-meter) runway.
This is a similar environment to Kona International Airport in Hawaii, where aircraft N779XY was when an inspection on August 15, 2024, found structural defects.
In order to approve the 777-9, the first production variant of the 777X family, Boeing must complete tests in various climates and altitudes.
In August, just before heading to Hawaii, the 777-9 prototype was in Mexico City, known for its high altitudes.
Emirates expects first 777-9 only in 2027
During the release of its fourth-quarter financial results, Boeing reaffirmed its goal of delivering the first 777-9 to its launch customer, Lufthansa, in 2026.
However, the deadline is considered optimistic by another important customer, Emirates Airline.
The Persian Gulf carrier said it expects the aircraft only from the second quarter of 2027. It has at least 170 orders for the 777-9 variant and has also selected the smaller 777-8.
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