‍DALLAS — The Boeing 777X was introduced in November 2013 during the Dubai Airshow as a successor to the older generation “triple-seven.“ 

The brand-new 777X would feature improved General Electric GE9X engines and more extended composite wings (252 feet/77 meters) that would require folding to operate safely within the current airport infrastructure. 

Progressing Delays

The initial delivery for the new workhorse of international travel was scheduled for December 2019. However, the aircraft faced significant delays, with the maiden flight of the very first 777X not taking off until January 2020. 

Earlier this month, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg stated that the certification process was creating “a mountain of work” and warned, without mentioning specific certification-related issues, that the manufacturer was falling behind schedule in completing the certification.

Although the exact delay has not been stated, the industry interprets this as a further delay in the first 777X delivery, notes Forbes' Jerrold Lundquist, pushing it back to 2027, which will have a significant impact on airlines’ long-haul fleet renewal and expansion plans, as well as negatively affecting Boeing’s ongoing financial recovery.

777X's First Delivery Predicted for 2026

Before Boeing's CEO raised concerns about certification delays, the company was on track to make the first 777X deliveries in 2026.

The fifth test aircraft made its maiden flight in August 2025, completing requirements for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Inspection Authorization (TIA). 

In July and August, Boeing completed two essential steps of the certification process, fueling optimism for the long-delayed “triple seven” to finally start commercial service.

Reaction of the Aviation Community

Timothy Clark, the President of Emirates (EK), said he planned a serious conversation with Boeing as he failed to see Boeing providing a meaningful forecasted delivery date. Emirates has over 200 Boeing 777X aircraft on order, accounting for more than one-third of the Dubai-based airline’s delivery book.

Qatar Airways (QR), which accounts for almost a quarter of the order book, ordered a total of three zero-emission aircraft - the 777-8 and 777-9 - in May this year as part of a record order valued at over US$96 billion.

Long-haul aircraft are an essential part of Middle East carriers’ fleet, helping to establish and maintain cross-continental connections via their hubs. 

Impact on Boeing

Another delay in deliveries could result in a US$4 billion non-cash charge for Boeing and negatively impact free cash flow by US$2 billion. 

On the day the manufacturer's CEO announced further delays to the 777X certification, Boeing shares dropped by over 3%.

Experts estimate that Boeing has accumulated approximately US$10 billion in charges against the 777X program, including the creation of a new production facility in Everett, Washington. 

Delivery Delays: Nothing New

Despite challenges arising from production and delivery delays, the aviation industry has become accustomed to them.

The Boeing 787 was three and a half years late and cost Boeing over $30 billion to develop; however, the Dreamliner was an all-new aircraft, unlike 777X, which has been developed based on existing 777 variants.

Transformation at Boeing 

The arising challenges, at this point, are purely bureaucratic, rather than technical. Boeing’s new CEO is navigating past safety and quality issues, which occurred when meeting deadlines led to safety compromises, and is trying to change the company's culture.

Kelly Ortberg aims to increase transparency for customers and suppliers, ensuring that delivered aircraft not only meet established standards but also surpass safety and reliability requirements.

The Boeing 777X should be a winning addition to Boeing’s aircraft portfolio and have a significant impact on the manufacturer's financial recovery.