Boeing says the 777X program is finally on track
Twelve years and four Paris Air Shows after its debut, the Boeing 777X finally appears to be heading toward certification and entry into service. Will it arrive at the next Le Bourget already in commercial operation?
After a decade of development marred by setbacks and the lingering shadow of past crises, Boeing outlined the roadmap for the entry into service of its promising wide-body aircraft family, the 777X, at the Paris Air Show. The global aviation industry is watching closely as the aerospace giant seeks to stabilize its future with this model.
The development of the 777X has been closely tied to the crashes of the Boeing 737 MAX in 2018 and 2019. These incidents not only exposed flaws in software and oversight but also prompted a sweeping reassessment of certification processes by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Trust in Boeing and in the regulatory system was severely undermined, creating an environment of increased caution and stricter demands for any new model, including the 777X.
The need to rebuild that trust has resulted in a certification process for the 777X that has been significantly longer and more rigorous. The 777-9, for instance, conducted unofficial test flights for four years, receiving FAA authorization for formal flight testing with inspectors on board only in July 2024.
Overcoming technical challenges: the “thrust link” case
During testing, the 777X program encountered a specific technical issue: the appearance of cracks in the thrust link, a titanium part that transfers engine loads to the fuselage. This component, unprecedented in size for Boeing aircraft, exhibited “unique behavior,” according to Tresha Lacaux, chief engineer for the 777-9 project. Investigations revealed that the cracks were caused by vibrations due to insufficient airflow in a narrow area near the link.
Boeing implemented a solution that included the design of straps to secure adjacent fairings and ensure proper airflow. Additionally, it plans to seal a nearby cooling port on the left thrust link and increase the thickness of the titanium part. Anita Rudack, deputy chief engineer for the 777-9, stated that since these modifications, the thrust links have performed without issues.
Timeline and variants of the 777X
Boeing's strategy involves a phased introduction of the 777X variants, an aircraft family that aims to redefine long-haul travel and cargo efficiency:
The 777-9, the company's largest wide-body aircraft, is expected to enter service in 2026.
It will be followed by the 777-8 Freighter, the cargo version, projected for 2028.
Lastly, the smaller passenger version, the 777-8, is set to join the fleet “toward the end of the decade.”
These timelines mark the current stage of a program that has faced multiple delays since its initial launch in 2013, affected by a combination of technical hurdles and unprecedented regulatory scrutiny.
Market reception and customer outlook
Despite the challenges, Boeing has secured 535 orders for the 777X family from 14 airlines, according to Justin Hale. The 777-8 is seen as a timely replacement for the aging 777-300ER fleet nearing retirement. Although the 777-8 is three meters shorter, a reconfiguration of the doors allows for a slight increase in seating capacity. The 777-9, on the other hand, with three additional meters in length compared to the 777-300ER, is positioned as a growth aircraft, offering space for 30 extra passengers.
Still, industry sentiment is not unanimous. John Plueger, CEO of Air Lease, noted that while he trusts Boeing's schedule, his company has yet to place any orders for the 777X. The reason: the initial customer base for the model remains “narrow.” Plueger explained that while a new aircraft is easy to lease out, the uncertainty lies in its appeal on the secondhand market. A broader customer base would be preferable to support future transactions. This same caution applies to other uncertified Boeing models, such as the 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10.
Kelly Ortberg, CEO of Boeing, expressed optimism about securing the remaining certifications this year, acknowledging that delays “only cause harm.”
AUTOR
Desde 2017, haciendo periodismo aeronáutico. Award-Winning Journalist: Ganador de la edición 2023 de "Periodismo de Altura", otorgado por ALTA. Facts don't care about your feelings.
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