Boeing delays first delivery of long-awaited 777X widebody jet until at least 2027

At an investor conference earlier this year, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said: “The challenge is we’ve got to get through the certification here on the Dash 9 to start delivering these things to our customers.”

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily eased pressure on Boeing as global air travel slowed significantly. However, a strong rebound in international travel has renewed urgency among airlines awaiting new aircraft deliveries.

Emirates has begun receiving Airbus A350-900s and is considering additional purchases of larger variants like the A350-1000 due to ongoing delays with Boeing’s program. For Lufthansa, only 20 units of the new jet are currently ordered as replacements for aging four-engine jumbo jets.

Recent technical issues with the 777X include engine mount problems, severed thrust links, and de-icing faults. Previous concerns involved cargo doors. The most significant challenges now appear related to regulatory scrutiny following safety incidents involving other Boeing models such as the 737 MAX.

Reuters reported that no new technical problems were identified; instead, more time is needed to address existing deficiencies fully. The design of the 777X features industry-first folding wing tips and will be powered by GE9X engines—the largest turbofans ever built for a commercial airliner—aiming for about a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with current competitors and previous models.

Despite ongoing setbacks, airlines have so far maintained their commitments based on promised performance improvements when deliveries eventually commence.