Boeing Co BA has reportedly commenced certification flight testing for its much-delayed 777-9 aircraft, with U.S. aviation regulators onboard.
The American plane maker announced this development in an emailed statement, noting that the initial flight occurred on Friday, July 12th night, following the receipt of Type Inspection Authorization (TIA), reported Reuters.
This step forward comes as Boeing strives to overcome various production and legal challenges, including a mid-air panel blowout on a 737 MAX plane earlier this year.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), although not commenting on specific certification projects, mentioned that “Generally, this kind of thorough process takes many months.”
The 777-9 is a crucial component of the 777X project, aimed at enhancing the 777 wide-body jet. Despite its launch in 2013, the project has experienced numerous delays, particularly concerning certification.
The type inspection authorization signals the beginning of the certification phase, allowing FAA pilots to partake in necessary flight testing to approve the aircraft for standard operation.
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The chairman of Emirates, the largest customer of the 777-9, expressed in May that he does not foresee certification before the first quarter of 2025.
This timeline reflects the extensive and rigorous testing procedures the aircraft must undergo before gaining full operational clearance.
Boeing has highlighted that the 777-9 test fleet will be subjected to the most comprehensive commercial flight test effort in the company’s history.
Boeing stock has lost more than 13% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via IShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF ITA and Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF PPA.
Price Action: BA shares closed lower by 0.87% at $182.31 on Friday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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