Boeing targets April first flight for production 777X

Boeing plans to conduct the first flight of a production-standard 777X aircraft in April, according to an internal company document reviewed by Reuters. The aircraft involved is a 777-9 built for Lufthansa, as the manufacturer continues work toward certifying the long-delayed widebody program.

The document shows Boeing conducting fuel system tests on the aircraft at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, where the 777X is assembled. Engine testing is expected to follow later this month, ahead of the planned first flight. A Reuters reporter observed the aircraft this week at one of Boeing’s fuel docks.

The 777X program is about six years behind its original schedule and has led Boeing to record roughly $15 billion in charges. Although the dedicated 777X flight-test fleet has accumulated more flight hours than any previous Boeing development program, the manufacturer still needs to complete certification requirements set by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

Those requirements include testing using production aircraft configured close to delivery standard. Boeing said some production airplanes will be used for certification activities that do not require specialized flight-test instrumentation, but declined to comment on plans for the specific aircraft referenced in the document.

Lufthansa ordered the 777-9 in 2013, the year Boeing launched the 777X program. The German carrier will be the first operator once deliveries begin.

The 777X is intended to replace both the 747 and earlier versions of the 777, complementing the 787 Dreamliner in Boeing’s long-haul portfolio. Boeing has faced increasing competition in this segment from Airbus.

Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg said last week that the company is examining a potential issue related to the GE9X engines powering the 777X. The issue is not expected to change the plan to deliver the first aircraft next year.

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