Air Data News
• Ricardo Meier
Years of certification delays have left dozens of early-built Boeing 777X jets requiring extensive redesign before delivery. The setbacks are prompting Emirates and Lufthansa, among the program’s largest customers, to reassess whether they want those aircraft or newer-production examples instead.
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Years of certification delays have left dozens of early-built Boeing 777X jets requiring extensive redesign before delivery. The setbacks are prompting Emirates and Lufthansa, among the program’s largest customers, to reassess whether they want those aircraft or newer-production examples instead.
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The FAA has granted type certification to Boeing’s 737-7 after years of delay, marking progress in the manufacturer’s regulatory reset and creating a pathway toward approvals for the 737-10 and 777-9. AerCap’s CEO called 737-10 certification vital to the MAX family’s airline appeal.
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Cathay Pacific posted its strongest first-half performance since 2010, with passenger and cargo growth offsetting higher fuel costs, while Lufthansa’s operating profit fell to €383 million and Air Astana slipped into a small loss. Carriers remain cautious as Middle East-related fuel price pressures persist.
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Lufthansa Group’s second-quarter adjusted EBIT fell by more than half as fuel costs rose by more than $750 million year over year and strike-related expenses weighed on results. The group widened its outlook range, while Lufthansa and Swiss pursue differing network strategies and the first 777-9 delivery remains planned for early 2027.
Emirates president Tim Clark says Boeing could consider developing a 777-10, signaling potential airline interest in a larger derivative of the 777X family. The comments point to a possible future product discussion, although the article provides no indication that Boeing has committed to the aircraft.
United Airlines says it has “no interest” in taking early-build Boeing 777-9 aircraft that are awaiting change incorporation. The carrier’s stance underscores schedule and configuration risk for the start of the 777-9 program, with delivery planning affected by what Boeing still needs to implement.
Emirates president Tim Clark said the airline’s rejection of early-build 777X airframes leaves the timeline for the program’s next steps unclear, but he expects Boeing to consider a larger 777X variant—provisionally described as a “777-10”—based on performance data from the extended 777-9 development. Clark is also waiting to see the first -9 results.
United Airlines is reportedly discussing an acquisition of up to 20 early-built Boeing 777-9 aircraft, according to the report, following Emirates’ refusal to accept its first delivery batch. The potential deal would shift 777-9 supply to a new customer while reshaping near-term widebody delivery plans.
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Dive into the world of the Boeing 777X, the aerospace giant's newest marvel in wide-body commercial aviation. Our coverage brings you a comprehensive look at the 777X's journey, from groundbreaking design features like folding wingtips and powerful GE9X engines to its anticipated role in reshaping global air travel. Stay abreast of the latest test flights, certification milestones, and airline industry responses as we track the progress and performance of this next-generation airliner.
