Certification Flights Now Underway

Boeing has begun flight testing its 777X large-cabin commercial jetliner for FAA certification under a Type Inspection Authorization (TIA), the company announced on July 12.

Certification test flights are conducted with FAA personnel and Boeing representatives on board to observe and validate the safety, reliability, and performance of the aircraft. For the 777X series, the certification flights will be performed with four different 777-9 aircraft. Each aircraft is slated to test a specific set of systems under different flight conditions and scenarios. The FAA observers will report their findings back to the agency for evaluation and a final determination of its effectiveness for certification.

The first flight of the 777X model took place in early 2020 after several delays, and Boeing said it has already performed more than 1,200 flights totaling about 3,500 flight hours with the 777-9 fleet in a variety of climate conditions and in various regions. The company is confident that, despite this likely being the most rigorous type inspection it has ever been through, the certification will be issued. 

That said, neither the company nor its customers is expecting final certification before Q1 of 2025.

Since the discontinuation of the A380 Airbus, the 777X will be the largest commercial passenger aircraft on the market, and Boeing has customers lined up for them. Orders for the 777X currently total about 550 aircraft and customers include Emirates, Qatar Airways, British Airways, ANA, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Air India. There is also a cargo version of the aircraft, currently designated the 777-8.

FMI:  www.boeing.com/commercial/777x#overview