Boeing kickstarts 777X certification flight trails with FAA

Boeing Co. has started running flight trials of its 777-9 aircraft with US regulators aboard, a significant step toward the certification of the jumbo jet after years of delays.

According to a news report, the Federal Aviation Administration officials conducted the first test flight late on Friday, the company stated. 

The beginning of certification flight testing is marked by the so-called Type Inspection Authorization, which is a crucial stage in one of Boeing’s largest-ever commercial test programs.

“The certification flight test will continue validating the airplane’s safety, reliability and performance. We appreciate our regulator’s rigorous oversight,” Boeing said in an emailed statement.

The FAA refused to comment on the certification effort, but noted in the statement that, “safety always drives the timeline. Generally this kind of thorough process takes many months.” 

The achievement, reported first by the Air Current, reinforces confidence in Boeing’s forecast that, after years of delays, its massive twin-engine plane will eventually hit the market in 2025. 

Boeing has received around 480 orders for the 777-9, and two other planned models: the smaller 777-8 passenger jet and a freight-hauler.

With over 1,200 test flights and over 3,500 flight hours already accrued by Boeing pilots, the first 777X took flight in January 2020. The aircraft manufacturer has been utilising four dedicated planes to test all facets of its operations and safety, including from noise levels in the cabin to stability and control.

The 777X, which has been in development for over ten years and was once scheduled to enter the market in 2020, claims to be a more efficient version of the Airbus SE A380 and Boeing’s four-engine 737 jumbo airliner.