- Boeing’s upcoming 777X is set to be the world’s largest twin-engine aircraft when it enters the market.
- After problems found in tests, it’s been further delayed to 2026.
- Business Insider toured Flight Test 1 at the 2023 Paris Air Show to learn more about the program.
Boeing is building the world’s largest two-engine airliner, but it’s been a long and difficult road.
In November 2013, the American planemaker announced a brand new commercial jet — the Boeing 777X, which has been broken down into two variants including the 777-8 and the 777-9. The company also has a freighter option — the 777-8F.
Boeing plans to launch the passenger one first with the 777-9 entering the market in 2026. Emirates is set to be the launch customer, though the expected timeline has already been delayed from its original 2020 entry.
Challenges surrounding the 737 MAX crashes, the pandemic, and the supply chain first contributed to the slowdown.
Then, in August, a problem was discovered in flight tests. As CEO Kelly Ortberg announced the company would lay off 10% of employees, he also announced a further delay to the 777X.
Boeing estimated the delay will cost it $2.6 billion, and Emirates President Sir Tim Clark slammed the planemaker, saying they will have “a serious conversation.”
Nevertheless, with over 500 orders for the plane, Boeing is standing by the program. It showed off its giant 777X testbed at the 2023 Paris Air Show — take a look.
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