For those looking forward to the next generation of the Boeing 777 – the Boeing 777X, there’s going to be a delay in the first flight.
Boeing 777X, Rendering – The Boeing Company
As announced in the 2nd Quarter Results today:
The 777X program is progressing well through pre-flight testing. While the company is still targeting late 2020 for first delivery of the 777X, there is significant risk to this schedule given engine challenges, which are delaying first flight until early 2020.
Engine issues
The issues with the engines are related to the General Electric GE-9X which have been developed for this aircraft, with some parts having excessive wear – with a redesign of a stator required.
For now, this will hold up flight tests. However, there is a chance this will have a knock-on risk to actual deliveries – of which airlines are waiting with Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways Qatar Airways and Lufthansa with active orders for the type.
Meanwhile, to keep the Boeing 777 production line going, work will continue on delivering 777 Freighters to customers.
An unwelcome blip
With Boeing still dealing with the fallout of the Boeing 737 MAX programme, and a record loss of US$ 2.9 billion, this won’t go down as the best quarter the company has had.
And there’s also a very unwelcome sign that 737 MAX production could be halted if the grounding isn’t lifted on Boeing timelines.
Combined together – the 777X engine issue is one the airframer could have done without.
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