Disaster-Ridden Boeing Just Delayed Latest Plane Deliveries

Boeing’s 777X airliner resumes test flights after engine anomalies, but delivery faces further delays.

It’s one disaster after another for Boeing. Will customers ever trust them again?

At a Glance

  • Boeing resumes 777X test flights after grounding due to engine thrust link failures
  • First delivery of 777X now delayed to 2026
  • Boeing plans to lay off about 10% of its workforce by January 2025
  • The 777X has 481 orders, primarily from major airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways
  • FAA certification flights began in July, with over 1,300 test flights conducted

Boeing Resumes 777X Test Flights

Boeing has resumed test flights for its 777X widebody jet after grounding the test fleet in August due to a key engine mounting structure failure. The aviation giant is set to conduct a certification flight test on January 15 using the third 777-9 aircraft. This marks a significant step forward for the program, which had been stalled since August 2024 due to engine thrust link failures.

Those are the kind of failures that, should they occur in the air, could cause significant harm or…death.

The resumption of test flights comes after Boeing replaced the faulty engine thrust links and conducted a thorough investigation of the issue. The company has stated its commitment to ensuring the safety, performance, and reliability of the 777-9 through a rigorous test program.

Despite the progress in testing, Boeing has further delayed the first 777X delivery to 2026. This setback is a significant blow to the company and its customers, as the initial delivery was originally planned for 2020. The repeated delays have put pressure on Boeing’s financial outlook and customer relationships.

“Beyond navigating our current environment, restoring our company requires tough decisions and we will have to make structural changes to ensure we can stay competitive and deliver for our customers over the long term,” Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said.

In response to these challenges, Boeing plans to lay off about 10% of its workforce by January 2025. This move is part of a larger strategy to streamline operations and improve competitiveness in the face of ongoing delays and setbacks.

777X Program Details and Customer Orders

The 777X is the successor to Boeing’s successful 777 long-haul airliner. The 777-9 variant is designed for long-distance international flights and is capable of carrying around 426 passengers over 7,200 nautical miles. Boeing also plans to build a smaller version, the 777-8, and a cargo version, the 777-8 Freighter.

Despite the delays, the 777X program has amassed 481 orders, primarily from significant market players. Emirates leads with 170 orders, followed by Qatar Airways with 60. Other major customers include Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific Airways. The continued support from these airlines underscores the industry’s confidence in the potential of the 777X, despite the setbacks.

If Boeing wants to keep those orders coming in, however, they’ll need to ensure people believe they’re safe to use.