Boeing Seeks FAA Waiver to Extend 777F Sales Beyond 2027

Boeing has asked the United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to waive a fuel-efficiency regulation that would otherwise prevent continued sales of the Boeing 777-200LRF (777F), beyond January 1, 2028. Without relief, the long-running freighter would no longer be eligible for new certificates of airworthiness after 2027.

In a letter to the DOT, Boeing cited US regulation 14 CFR §38.1, which bars aircraft from receiving an airworthiness certificate on or after January 1, 2028, if they exceed specified fuel-efficiency limits. The current 777-200LRF does not meet those thresholds, meaning new deliveries would be prohibited once the rule takes effect. Boeing argues that an interim waiver is necessary to bridge a looming capacity gap in the global air-cargo market.

The manufacturer is developing a more fuel-efficient successor, the Boeing 777-8F, which is designed to comply with the regulation. However, Boeing told regulators that the new freighter “will not be available until after that date,” prompting the request for temporary relief. Specifically, Boeing is seeking approval to deliver up to 35 additional 777-200LRFs through May 1, 2026, to meet anticipated customer demand until the new model enters service.

Industry reports indicate the 777-8F’s entry into service is now expected in 2029, following schedule adjustments to the passenger Boeing 777-9 program. The revised timeline increases pressure on cargo operators that rely on large, long-range freighters to support express, e-commerce, and high-value logistics flows.

The 777-200LRF is currently the only large widebody freighter in production worldwide, it is the freighter version of the Boeing 777-200LR. This freighter can carry a maximum payload of 228,700 lb in a total cargo volume of 23,051 ft³. Several cargo airlines have switched to the 777F to replace the aging MD-11F, DC-10F, 747-200F, and 747-400F aircraft.

Boeing notes that of the roughly USD 600 billion in goods exported by air cargo in 2024, more than USD 260 billion were transported on large widebody freighters—underscoring the segment’s economic importance. According to data, 310 Boeing 777-200LRFs are active globally, with FedEx Express the largest operator.

Orders for the 777-8F remain strong despite delays, Boeing data shows commitments totaling 59 aircraft from ANA – All Nippon Airways (2), Cargolux (10), China Airlines (4), Lufthansa Cargo (7), Qatar Airways (34), and Silk Way West Airlines (2).

If granted, the waiver would give Boeing and its customers critical continuity in the large-freighter segment until the 777-8F is ready, while regulators weigh near-term market needs against long-term efficiency goals.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com

Tags: chaviation

Boeing Seeks FAA Waiver to Extend 777F Sales Beyond 2027

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