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777X Certification Delayed to 2026
Boeing’s long-awaited 777X program has been pushed back again as regulators demand more proof it’s safe.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed at the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference that 777X certification is delayed, moving first deliveries to 2026 as the FAA requires more exhaustive testing and independent peer reviews. The 777X certification delay follows heightened scrutiny after the 737 MAX crisis and reflects a broader industry shift toward deeper validation over speed.
The twin‑aisle 777X, powered by GE9X engines and notable for its folding wingtips, has already logged more than 1,000 flight test hours. Still, Boeing says technical and regulatory hurdles remain, and the extra FAA review work will extend the program timeline. The slip is expected to weigh on Boeing’s near‑term financial results and production planning.
Why 777X certification is taking longer
Regulators are asking for more peer review and additional test data rather than relying solely on Boeing’s own analysis. That approach aims to rebuild confidence after the 737 MAX incidents, and it means the 777X will face more exhaustive validation before the Federal Aviation Administration signs off. Launch customers such as Lufthansa will see their delivery schedules move as a result.
- Key point: 777X certification now slated for 2026 after extra FAA testing and peer review.
- Program details: GE9X engines, folding wingtips, 1,000+ flight test hours logged.
- Impact: delayed deliveries, pressure on Boeing’s finances, and schedule changes for airlines like Lufthansa.
The program’s overall delay stretches back several years; Boeing has characterized the latest slip as part of a deliberate, safety‑first process. Airlines that ordered the 777X will need to adjust fleet plans, and analysts will watch Boeing’s cash flow and production cadence closely as the company completes the additional testing.
For now, Boeing and the FAA appear focused on thorough documentation and third‑party verification before final certification. That caution aims to avoid rushing a complex jetliner into service without the deeper validation regulators now expect.
