FAA clears new certification stage for Boeing 777-9

Boeing has reached another milestone in the lengthy 777X certification program. According to journalist Jon Ostrower of The Air Current, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the start of Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) Phase 2D, which will focus on community noise testing in Glasgow, Montana.

So far, the 777X test fleet has logged over 1,500 flights and nearly 4,200 flight hours. The next major step will be Phase 3 of the TIA, which does not yet have a start date but will include evaluations of the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) performance and overall stability.

Boeing has added a fifth test aircraft to the program. The jet, registered N2007L, joined the fleet in early August and will conduct High-Intensity Radiated Field (HIRF) trials to assess system performance under strong electromagnetic emissions

Setbacks

The program has suffered multiple setbacks since its launch. In 2020, an uncommanded pitch event raised concerns about the flight control system. More recently, in August 2024, thrust link failures temporarily halted certification progress. Boeing redesigned the components to address fatigue issues and resume testing.

Lufthansa will be the launch customer of the new widebody, with orders for 20 777-9s and seven 777-8F freighters.

In recent months, Boeing has secured new deals for the 777X family. In May 2025, Qatar Airways placed a historic order for 210 Boeing jets, including 30 777-9s. Etihad Airways has signed contracts for 28 aircraft from the 777X and 787 families, though the exact details are unclear. China Airlines also joined the list with 23 777X orders, including 10 777-9s and four 777-8F freighters.

The 777X family will comprise three variants: the 777-8, seating 395 passengers with a range of 8,745 nautical miles (16,200 km); the 777-9, seating 426 passengers and flying up to 7,285 nautical miles (13,490 km); and the 777-8F, a dedicated freighter based on the -8 platform.

First delivery of the 777-9 to Lufthansa is currently targeted for mid-2026.

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Ricardo Meier

Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.

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