Ugh! I think it does not have to come as much of a surprise, but Boeing has just revealed that the first 777X delivery has now been pushed back until late 2023. We have now seen that the timeline from 2020, to 2021, to 2022 has been pushed back to late 2023.
What is the Boeing 777X?
For those of you unfamiliar, the Boeing 777X is Boeing’s latest version of the 777. It will be in two variants – the 777-8 and 777-9 – and the aircraft are both longer and larger than existing 777s ( and larger than 787s, which is also popular).
Since there is clearly no longer a market for aircraft like the A380 and 747-8 (even pre-pandemic), it is probably the largest new aircraft we will manufacture in the next decade.
Boeing 777-9
The Boeing 777X has already been delayed
The entry into force of the Boeing 777X has already been significantly delayed. First the plane was delayed due to production problems, and then the plane was delayed due to the pandemic.
For that context, the Boeing 777X was supposed to complete its first test flight in mid-2019, but it was eventually pushed back to early 2020. This delay was due to problems with the GE9X General Electric engines in the aircraft. These are the largest engines ever in a commercial aircraft, although they had durability issues, which delayed certification.
However, this was not the only problem – during the 777X certification process, a door also blew down during a stress test.
In July 2020, it is announced that delivery of the Boeing 777X will be delayed until 2022. This did not appear to be due to problems with the aircraft, but rather due to renegotiations with airline customers, given the state of the industry.
Delivery of Lufthansa Boeing 777-9
Boeing pushes back 777X deliveries until late 2023
It has now been revealed that Deliveries of Boeing 777X will only start in early 2023. Boeing claims that the updated schedule is due to the following factors:
- An updated assessment of global certification requirements
- Boeing’s latest rating of COVID-19 affects market demand
- Discussions with customers about the delivery period of aircraft
Boeing says it remains confident in the 777X. In the end, this update does not come as much of a surprise. Emirates recently revealed that it will delay 777X deliveries until 2023.
Emirates is the largest customer for the aircraft, and this raises the question of whether 777X deliveries would be completely delayed, or only Emirates managed to renegotiate its contract.
Delivery of Emirates Boeing 777-9
Why the 777X Delay Matters to Passengers
It is understandable that airlines now have more important priorities than passenger experience, although I still feel the need to mention one of the often overlooked consequences of a further Boeing 777X delay.
Many airlines are going to use the 777X as their new flagship aircraft, and are going to introduce all new cabins in these aircraft. For example:
Lufthansa’s new business class, starting at 777-9
Bottom line
Boeing does not expect to deliver its first 777X at the earliest in 2023. Boeing realizes that the production of this aircraft during the current pandemic could be a futile attempt. This follows several airlines renegotiating the delivery schedules.
This is a pretty big delay. With the early delayed timeline, deliveries had to start at some point in 2022, while deliveries would begin in early 2023, which would possibly be a delay of almost two years.
Hopefully, the new timeline reflects when the demand for passengers will actually recover, so that airlines are once again able to take down new aircraft.
Are you surprised to see Boeing 777X deliveries bounce back until late 2023?