Boeing 777X Certification Slips but Still Targeted for 2026
Boeing has acknowledged that certification of its long-delayed 777X widebody is running behind schedule, though the company still expects approval in 2026 rather than slipping further into 2027. Speaking at a Morgan Stanley conference, CEO Kelly Ortberg said there remains a “mountain of work” before the aircraft is cleared for service and warned that even minor delays could have financial consequences. The 777-9, the first member of the 777X family, was initially slated for certification in 2020.
Ortberg noted that Boeing is actively working with the Federal Aviation Administration on the next steps for certification and stressed the importance of meeting key milestones to stay on track. The delays have slowed the company’s ability to deliver new aircraft and fund future programs.
On the single-aisle side, Boeing aims to raise the production cap on its 737 MAX line from 38 to 42 aircraft per month by the end of the year. However, the manufacturer must improve one of six key performance metrics related to out-of-sequence work before it can formally request the FAA to lift the cap.
Boeing is also progressing toward FAA approval for changes to the de-icing system on its 737-7 variant, still targeting certification and first deliveries in the first quarter of 2026. Ortberg said clearing these hurdles is essential to generating the cash needed for a next-generation aircraft program, adding that Boeing cannot launch a new airplane until its certification process is fully refined.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com