Boeing Delays Delivery Of First Fleet 777X Until 2025, Emirates Orders 126 Units

JAKARTA - Aviation industry giant Boeing has delayed deliveries of its first fleet of 777-9 jetliners, a variant of its new 777X aircraft, another year with deliveries now expected to begin in 2025.

The US aircraft maker last Wednesday announced a temporary pause in jet production until 2023, to avoid stockpiling inventory.

Boeing previously said it would win certification for the 777X by the end of 2023.

The 777X fleet, which has 777-8 and 777-9 variants, has been in development since 2013. Initially, this variant was expected to be released for airline use in June 2020.

However, the plane experienced delays as Boeing answered certification questions from US air safety regulators.

"Deliveries of the first 777-9 aircraft are now expected in 2025, based on the most recent assessment of the time required to meet certification requirements," Boeing said in a statement.

"In order to minimize inventory and the number of aircraft that will need to incorporate changes, we are adjusting the production rate of the 777-9, including a temporary pause through 2023."

It said this adjustment would allow for an additional 777 freighter capacity from the end of 2023. Boeing stressed the 777X program is progressing well in development and testing.

"We remain confident in the 777 program and our customers continue to see value in its attractive economic and sustainability benefits," Boeing said.

"The aircraft program has served our market for decades, and it's important that we take the time now to position ourselves for long-term success."

The 777X fleet program is facing a longer certification process, following an inspection of the 737 Max model, which suffered two fatal flight accidents.

To date, the largest customer for the Boeing 777X is Dubai airline Emirates, with 126 aircraft on order.

Previously, Emirates President Tim Clark suggested last year that further delays were possible, saying: "There's no way we're going to get them before 2023 or maybe even 2024, and there's all sorts of hoops they have to go through with regards to certification, build and all the various requirements. other rules."

The Boeing 777X is equipped with two smaller GE 9X engines than the older 777ER variant, allowing it to perform 12 percent better fuel consumption and 10 percent lower operating costs than its competitors, according to Boeing.

Features include folding wingtips, allowing for an extended range of up to seven meters to maximize fuel efficiency.

The 777-8 variant will accommodate between 350 and 375 passengers, while the larger 777-9 variant can carry between 400 and 425 passengers, both in a two-class configuration.

In addition, Cabin 777-9 is also equipped with more space. It is four inches wider than the 777-8 variant, although it has the same outer circumference as the older aircraft. Boeing has sculpted the interior walls for additional space, all the way to the rear of the cabin.

To note, the 777X made its maiden flight in January 2020 and also aired at the Dubai Airshow last November.

In February, Boeing won a launch order from Qatar Airways for a new cargo version of the 777-8, the world's largest twin-engine cargo jet.

The aircraft has the highest payload and lowest fuel use, emissions and operating costs per tonne of any large freighter, according to Boeing. This will offer a 25 percent increase in fuel efficiency while reducing emissions and operating costs by the same amount.