Boeing completed the first test flight of a 777-9 in five months on Jan. 16. Aircraft WH003 (N779XY) took off from Boeing Field in Seattle and remained in the air for about 2 hours and 30 minutes before landing at the same location.
This is the same aircraft that was in Hawaii undergoing certification testing with the FAA last August. On the 15th, upon returning from one of those flights, the test team found damage to a thrust link on the engines.
The problem was later found on the other three test aircraft, and Boeing eventually grounded all of them. The N779XY, however, made a ferry flight from Hawaii to Seattle on September 8 for repairs.
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Since then, the planemaker has worked with the supplier to redesign the component. In December, prototype WH004 (N779XZ) was spotted receiving new thrust links, which anticipated the resumption of flights.
Although Thursday’s flight was not accompanied by FAA personnel, it is understood that the certification process is expected to resume soon.
Largest commercial aircraft currently in production
The Boeing 777-9 completed its maiden flight in January 2020, but several development issues have delayed the program.
Originally scheduled to enter service in 2020, the 777-9 is now expected to make its revenue flights in 2026, initially with Lufthansa.
Larger than the classic 777, the 777X series also includes the longer-range 777-8 variant and the 777-8F freighter, and builds on the advances made with the 787 Dreamliner to offer customers a more efficient operation.
With the end of production of the 747 and the Airbus A380, the 777X has become the largest commercial aircraft currently available on the market.
Boeing claims to have 481 orders for the widebody, the majority of which (170 aircraft) are from Emirates Airline.
