ARLINGTON, Va. – Flightglobal reports that Boeing has begun flight testing the 777-9 with the FAA on board, a significant step towards certification of the long-delayed widebody jet. This comes after receiving the key Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) from the regulator.
The 777-9 program has faced numerous delays due to increased scrutiny by the FAA following the 737 Max issues. However, Boeing is hopeful that the jet will enter service in 2025. The first certification test flight took place on July 12th, marking the beginning of a rigorous process to validate the airplane’s safety, reliability, and performance.
Boeing has a fleet of four 777-9 test aircraft accumulating flight hours for various purposes. These tests are part of Boeing’s own flight-test regime, separate from the certification flights with the FAA. The company says the 777-9 flight-test effort will be the most thorough ever undertaken for a Boeing commercial jet.
The 777-9 boasts a longer range than its predecessor, the 777-300ER, and can seat up to 426 passengers. While Boeing initially planned for a smaller 777-8 variant to follow the 777-9, the focus has shifted to a freighter version, the 777-8 Freighter. The all-passenger 777-8 is still on Boeing’s radar but is not the immediate priority.
