Boeing seeks FAA exemption to sell more 777F freighters

Boeing requested an exemption from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday to permit the sale of 35 more 777F freighters ahead of new ICAO emissions regulations that take effect in 2028, said Reuters.

The manufacturer stated that the exemption would enable it to meet anticipated customer demand for large cargo aircraft before the successor 777-8 Freighter becomes available. Boeing expects to deliver the first 777-8F about two years after the initial 777-9 delivery, currently scheduled for 2027.

“Each 777F aircraft exported to a foreign customer contributes $440 million at catalog value to a positive trade balance, indicating that more than $15 billion worth of U.S. export value could be lost without an exemption,” Boeing said.

The company expects a decision from regulators by May 1. Without approval, Boeing estimates the loss of significant export revenue and the inability to address customer needs in the large widebody freighter segment.

The 777F is currently the only large widebody freighter in production and is described by Boeing as the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class. In 2024, over $260 billion in goods were transported on such aircraft globally.

In 2024, the US Congress extended Boeing’s ability to produce the 767 freighter until 2033, exempting it from the FAA’s new efficiency standards set for 2028. The FAA has reported that civil aircraft account for 9% of domestic transportation emissions and 2% of total US carbon pollution.

Boeing began primary assembly of the 777-8 Freighter in July at its Everett, Washington plant. The 777-8F is intended to replace the 777F in production following the implementation of the new emissions requirements.

Its main competitor is the Airbus A350F, which is in a more advanced stage of development.

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