Boeing Resumes 777X Test Flights After August Grounding

Boeing has finally resumed test flights for its long-awaited 777X widebody jet, with the first flight taking place on January 15, 2025. The U.S. planemaker grounded the test fleet in August 2024 due to the failure of a key engine mounting structure, just five weeks after starting certification flights with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) onboard. The grounding came as a setback to Boeing's plans to deliver the first 777X to launch customer Qatar Airways in 2020, which has since been pushed back to 2026.



The grounding of the 777X test fleet was primarily attributed to two factors: the discovery of severed thrust links on all four test aircraft and a seven-week labor strike by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) from late September to mid-November 2024. Boeing addressed the thrust link issue by replacing the affected components and conducting additional rework on the thrust reverser assembly. The company also delayed the entry-into-service (EIS) date for the 777-9 to 2026 and the 777-8F to 2028 to ensure the safety and reliability of the aircraft.

Boeing's latest efforts signal renewed momentum toward achieving certification for the 777X, which is now targeted for 2026. The certification program had been underway for around five weeks when the thrust link failure brought proceedings to a halt in mid-August 2024. The third test aircraft, WH003, was grounded after the issue was identified during a flight in Kona, Hawaii. Since then, Boeing has replaced the thrust link components on all four primary test aircraft and conducted additional rework on the thrust reverser assembly.

The upcoming functional check flight, expected as early as January 15, 2025, will pave the way for the full resumption of the certification program. The program's progress will be closely monitored as Boeing works toward achieving its revised timeline for deliveries in 2026.

In conclusion, Boeing has resumed test flights for its 777X widebody jet after addressing the thrust link issue and labor strike delays. The company is now focused on achieving certification for the aircraft, with a target date of 2026. Investors and industry observers will closely monitor the progress of the 777X certification program as Boeing works to deliver the aircraft to its customers.