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SEATTLE- This month, American Aerospace giant Boeing has initiated formal certification testing of the braking system on its new 777-9 (777X) aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the development of what will become the world’s largest twin-engine passenger airplane.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has expanded Type Inspection Authorization for the 777-9, confirming the aircraft’s readiness to advance through official certification processes.
Photo: BoeingBoeing 777X Brake Testing
Boeing’s first 777X test aircraft, designated WH001 and bearing registration N779XW, arrived at Clinton Sherman Airport (CSM), also known as the Oklahoma Air & Space Port in Washita County, Oklahoma to conduct essential brake certification testing under direct Federal Aviation Administration supervision.
The 777-9 promises to deliver a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to previous models.
While Boeing engineers have conducted extensive internal evaluations of the braking system, this latest round of tests includes FAA personnel onboard to verify compliance with regulatory requirements.
During this certification phase, Boeing will demonstrate the safety and reliability of the 777-9’s aerodynamics, brakes, and engines.
The test program has already logged more than 1,300 flights totaling over 3,700 flight hours, including specialized evaluations such as braking performance in wet and dry conditions, landings in heavy crosswinds, and takeoffs at various speeds.
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed pride in the 777X and Test & Evaluation teams’ accomplishments. She affirmed Boeing’s commitment to advancing the 777X program alongside other development initiatives, with plans to fulfill orders for more than 480 777X jets placed by airlines worldwide.
Photo: Clément AlloingCertification by Early 2026
Boeing aims to certify its largest aircraft, the 425-seat 777-9, by late 2025 or early 2026, enabling deliveries to begin after years of delays. The aircraft was originally scheduled for delivery in December 2019 or early 2020 but faced setbacks due to technical issues with GE Aerospace’s 115,000 lb thrust engines and fallout from the 737 MAX crisis.
Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s CEO, confirmed these certification and delivery targets during his first appearance at a Barclays Bank investor conference since assuming leadership last August. He emphasized the urgency of completing certification for customers waiting on deliveries, noting that Lufthansa’s CEO Carsten Spohr personally stressed how critical the aircraft is to the airline’s operating model.
The program currently operates under a reach-forward loss, meaning any additional schedule delays would likely result in further financial losses, though Ortberg maintains the aircraft will be profitable over its program lifespan.
The 777X joins Boeing’s 737-7 and 737-10 variants in facing prolonged certification delays following the 2018-2019 crashes of two 737-8 aircraft that killed 346 people. These tragedies revealed certification irregularities between Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration, creating ongoing regulatory challenges.
Ortberg has prioritized improving the certification process, actively engaging with the new Transportation Secretary and interim FAA administrator to prevent misalignments during leadership transitions. Both officials will visit Boeing’s Seattle facilities as part of this effort.
Boeing’s 737 production remains capped at 38 aircraft per month by FAA mandate as the company addresses safety and quality control issues. Despite producing only in the high teens or low twenties monthly throughout 2023-2024 due to internal problems and supply chain issues with Spirit AeroSystems, Ortberg expressed confidence in reaching the capped rate later this year.
The company utilized downtime during last fall’s 53-day International Association of Machinists strike to clean inventory and rebalance production systems. Boeing plans to complete its acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems’ Boeing-related work later in 2025.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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Boeing aims to certify its largest aircraft, the 425-seat 777-9, by late 2025 or early 2026, enabling deliveries to begin after years of delays.
The Boeing 777X sets a new benchmark as the largest and most efficient twin-engine jet. Engineered with advanced aerodynamics and next-generation engines, it reduces fuel consumption and emissions by 10% while cutting operating costs by the same margin, outperforming competitors in every aspect.
Emirates secures a $52 billion wide-body aircraft deal at Dubai Airshow 2023, expanding its 777X fleet with 55 Boeing 777-9s and 35 777-8s, bringing total orders to 205.
Lufthansa Will be the First Airline in World to Operate Boeing 777X
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