Air TransportFAA clears Boeing 777-9 for next certification phase, according to report
Boeing has received approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin the third phase of certification tests for the 777-9, according to sources cited by The Air Current. The manufacturer aims to introduce the aircraft into service in 2027.
The 777-9 certification program has experienced a seven-year delay. The postponement stems from the extensive documentation required for each stage of the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) process.
The TIA phase consists of multiple steps designed to validate the aircraft’s design and compliance with regulatory standards. Each phase mandates comprehensive documentation and regulatory oversight.
Boeing recorded a non-cash loss of $4.9 billion in its third-quarter earnings, directly attributable to the certification delays. This financial impact underscores the scale of the program’s challenges. The 777-9’s extended certification period follows heightened regulatory scrutiny of new aircraft programs.
Boeing maintains five test aircraft in the certification program, in its quest to approve the aircraft for commercial service as soon as possible.
According to the company, there are 565 firm orders for the 777X family, which also includes the long-range 777-8 and cargo 777-8F variants. Lufthansa will be the launch customer for the 777-9, of which it has 27 orders.
About the Author
Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
