FAA Allows Up to 35 New Boeing 777Fs to Be Certified From 2028

WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted Boeing an exemption allowing up to 35 new 777 Freighters (777Fs) to receive their first FAA airworthiness certificates from 2028, Reuters reported. The FAA posted its decision to the public docket on September 16.

The exemption addresses a specific cutoff. The FAA's April notice on Boeing's petition explains that certain newly built jets that do not meet the fuel-efficiency limits cannot receive an original airworthiness certificate from January 1, 2028. The rule does not remove aircraft already in service from the fleet, Reuters reported.

Boeing sought relief to maintain 777F production until the 777-8F becomes available. The FAA notice said the current freighter could not meet the new limits and described the request as a way to serve existing customers during the transition.

The Gap to the 777-8F

Boeing expects the first 777-8F about two years after the first 777-9 delivery, which it currently targets for 2027, according to Reuters. That would place the new freighter around 2029 if the 777-9 target holds. Boeing says the 777F is the only large widebody freighter in production; the exemption lets it continue certifying the current model while it develops the replacement.

Airbus is preparing the competing A350F. A late-September first flight was tentatively expected by industry sources cited in Airways' reporting, while Airbus aims to certify and deliver the first aircraft by the end of 2027. Korean Air (KE) finalized an order that includes eight 777-8Fs this week.

What the Exemption Means for Boeing's Backlog

Boeing had 38 unfilled 777F orders at the end of August, according to Air Data News. It delivered two 777Fs that month, to Emirates (EK) and National Airlines (N8). The backlog figure does not show how many aircraft will need certificates after the 2027 cutoff or which customers would use the exemption.

Boeing welcomed the FAA decision in a statement reported by Reuters, saying it would support cargo carriers serving growing demand for air freight.