Boeing begins FAA takeoff performance tests for first prototype 777X

After two fatal crashes involving Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air led to increased oversight of Boeing's safety practices, Section 103 of the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act required a review of Boeing’s safety management processes. An Expert Review Panel made up of representatives from NASA, FAA, labor unions, engineering experts, air carriers, manufacturers, legal experts, and academic institutions began work in 2023 and published its findings in 2024.

In a statement released in Boeing’s second quarter company performance report, President and CEO Kelly Ortberg said:

"Our fundamental changes to strengthen safety and quality are producing improved results as we stabilize our operations and deliver higher quality airplanes, products and services to our customers. As we look to the second half of the year, we remain focused on restoring trust and making continued progress in our recovery while operating in a dynamic global environment."

Following recommendations from an FAA panel after an incident involving Alaska Airlines in 2024, Boeing implemented further safety measures alongside its existing plans. The FAA continues to oversee these efforts through ongoing certification programs.

Certification for commercial aircraft like the 777X is governed by Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 125. The process includes pre-application planning between manufacturer and regulator; submission of detailed documentation such as operational manuals; assessment of compliance; demonstration flights like those currently underway; and finally issuance of an operating certificate if all standards are met.

Boeing remains behind Airbus in aircraft deliveries this year. In June it delivered 60 commercial jets but dropped to 48 in July—a figure lower than Airbus’ July total of 67 planes. So far this year Boeing has delivered 328 aircraft compared to Airbus’ tally of 373 (https://simpleflying.com/boeing-airbus-july-2025-deliveries/).

Meanwhile production rates for other models have increased: according to reporting by The Seattle Times (https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/boeing-ramping-up-dreamliner-production-to-meet-demand/), monthly deliveries of Dreamliners have doubled since January—from four units then up to eight or nine per month by mid-year—as Boeing attempts to offset challenges with its mainstay narrowbody line and delayed flagship projects.

As testing progresses at Victorville and Edwards Air Force Base over coming months, attention remains focused on whether Boeing can meet its revised schedule for bringing the long-awaited widebody jet into service.