Wow: Boeing 777X Deliveries Delayed Until 2025

Wow: Boeing 777X Deliveries Delayed Until 2025

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Boeing’s new flagship aircraft, the 777X, is delayed even further, and deliveries aren’t expected to start until 2025. This represents a five year delay, as the plane was initially supposed to enter service in 2020, then 2021, then 2022, then 2023, and now 2025.

This was first rumored a few days ago, but was just confirmed in Boeing’s first quarter results.

What is the Boeing 777X?

For those of you not familiar, the Boeing 777X is Boeing’s newest version of the 777. It will come in two variants — the 777-8 and 777-9 — and the planes are both longer range and larger than existing 777s (and larger than 787s, which are also popular).

With there clearly not being a market anymore for planes like the A380 and 747-8 (even pre-pandemic), this will likely be the biggest new aircraft we see manufactured in the next decade.

Boeing 777-9

The Boeing 777X has already been delayed

Entry into service for the Boeing 777X has already been delayed significantly. The plane has been delayed for a variety of reasons, ranging from production issues, to engine issues, to certification issues, to the pandemic.

For context, the Boeing 777X was supposed to complete its first test flight in mid-2019, but that ended up being pushed back to early 2020. This delay was due to issues with the GE9X General Electric engines on the plane. These are the largest engines ever on a commercial plane, though they were having durability problems, causing a delay in certification.

That wasn’t the only issue, though — during the 777X certification process, a door also blew off during a stress test. But that was only the start of the issues. With all the drama surrounding the 737 MAX, Boeing is now facing a much more stringent certification process for the 777X.

It goes without saying that lots of airline customers aren’t at all pleased with these delays, as they’ve been relying on Boeing’s timeline for their fleet planning. Delaying deliveries by five years (and counting) isn’t exactly ideal.

Rendering of Lufthansa Boeing 777-9

Boeing pushes back 777X deliveries to 2025

Boeing is now targeting late 2024 for certification of the Boeing 777X, with deliveries expected to start in early 2025. This is “based on an updated assessment of the time required to meet certification requirements.” At this point that’s the best case scenario, it sounds like, so who knows how much worse it will get. This latest update represents a roughly one year delay over the timeline we had last year.

As you can see, the latest delay comes down to having a more realistic timeline for getting the Boeing 777X certified. Prior to this latest update, Boeing hoped to get the 777X certified by the end of 2023. In a March 2022 letter, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned that Boeing’s timelines were “outdated and no longer reflect the program activities.”

Because of this further delay, Boeing is also temporarily pausing Boeing 777-9 production through 2023. This is being done in order to minimize inventory and the number of airplanes requiring change incorporation.

It’s pretty amazing what a mess Boeing is in. First there were the 737 MAX issues, then Boeing hasn’t been able to deliver 787s for the past several months, and now the 777X is delayed by at least five years or so.

Why the 777X delay matters for passengers

It’s not just airlines that should care about Boeing 777X delivery delays, but passengers should as well. Many airlines were going to use the 777X as their new flagship aircraft, and were going to introduce all new cabins on these planes. For example:

Lufthansa’s new business class, debuting on the 777-9

Bottom line

Boeing doesn’t expect to deliver its first 777X until early 2025 at the earliest, representing a roughly five year delay over the initial delivery timeline. Boeing has faced a variety of issues, from engine and testing problems, to generally more stringent certification guidelines from the FAA.

This is disappointing not just for airlines, but also for passengers, given the new onboard products several airlines plan to introduce on these jets.

Are you surprised to see Boeing push back 777X deliveries to early 2025?

Conversations (49)
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  1. Andrew Guest

    In the last twenty years most companies which adopt a Jack-Welch business philosophy fail. In this case Boeing is no different.

  2. RETIRED MANAGER DESMOND JOHN EVANS EVERETT, WA. Guest

    TWO THINGS THAT HAVE BOTHERED ME NUMBER ONE, CHANGING THE TRADITIONAL BOEING LOGO IN 1997 DURING THE MERGER WITH MC DONALD DOUGLAS. NUMBER TWO, I AGREE WITH MANY OTHERS THAT THE BOEING HEAD QUARTERS SHOULD NEVER HAVE LEFT SEATTLE. I DO NOT THINK MR WILLIAM E. BOEING WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO HAPPY REGARDING THE MOVE TO CHICAGO.

    1. Jimmy Guest

      Mickey D bought Boeing with Boeing’s money

      That’s why Mickey D’s logo comes before Boeing’s.

    2. Jimmy Guest

      Also I worked 777 wing majors from 2011-2019 now “Stationed” in Seattle BT&E

  3. Win Whitmire Guest

    The mantra used to be, "If it ain't Boeing, I ain't going". Now it's "If it's Boeing, none of us are going!" There's a current documentary produced about the downfall of Boeing and how a once proud company has spiraled into a quagmire of distrust among employees, airline customers and passengers. Boeing management's greed to get McDonnell Douglas' military contracts, allowing McDonnell's management style and executives to take over Boeing's helm and the nutty idea...

    The mantra used to be, "If it ain't Boeing, I ain't going". Now it's "If it's Boeing, none of us are going!" There's a current documentary produced about the downfall of Boeing and how a once proud company has spiraled into a quagmire of distrust among employees, airline customers and passengers. Boeing management's greed to get McDonnell Douglas' military contracts, allowing McDonnell's management style and executives to take over Boeing's helm and the nutty idea to move headquarters away from all manufacturing facilities to Chicago has led the company into a free fall from grace. While Airbus has faced some issues too, they have managed to regain their footing and press on as they laugh their way to the bank.

  4. Leigh Diamond

    Obviously a set-back regarding the 777X program, and a shame to see the beautiful aircraft delayed service entry for both airlines and flyers. That said, it's reported that the engineering resources had to be focused on the MAX and 787 production issues, which seems business-sensible to me, so therefore I'm not going to get into the type of hyperbolic statements as some of those on this board.

    As for the many comments regarding the Chicago...

    Obviously a set-back regarding the 777X program, and a shame to see the beautiful aircraft delayed service entry for both airlines and flyers. That said, it's reported that the engineering resources had to be focused on the MAX and 787 production issues, which seems business-sensible to me, so therefore I'm not going to get into the type of hyperbolic statements as some of those on this board.

    As for the many comments regarding the Chicago HQ: 1) the President & CEO, Stanley Deal, is still based in Seattle, and 2) let's not forget that Boeing is comprised of 4 main divisions - Commercial Airplanes / Boeing Defense, Space & Security / Global Services / Capital Corporation (though defined as a smaller entity) - with global operations. I get it from a nostalgic perspective, but the company's global structure and services make Chicago a fit for the the Global HQ, and, again, the Commercial Airplanes CEO and leadership remains in Seattle.

    Do I work for Boeing? No. I'm just passionate about aviation and try and research the subjects at hand, instead of just mouthing off for the sake of mouthing off.

    1. Leigh Diamond

      *** I meant to say the Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO, Stanley Deal...not the same as the David Calhoun, President & CEO of the bogging Corporation...

    2. Leigh Diamond

      *** I meant to say the Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO, Stanley Deal is based in Seattle...not the same as the David Calhoun, President & CEO of the Boeing Corporation, based in Chicago...

  5. TravelinWilly Diamond

    OpEd from Bloomberg today:

    https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-04-27/boeing-earnings-bad-news-for-investors-never-stops?

  6. uldguy Diamond

    In the meantime over in Toulouse...

    The write-off charges for shutting down the A380 program notwithstanding, Airbus just quietly sticks to its knitting and prints money.

    Had Boeing experienced these delays back in the 60's when developing the original 747, it would have bankrupt the company. This is a company that is clearly without a vision, or a plan.

  7. BrokenHearted Guest

    This is sickening. Boeing has been destroyed by the last two CEO's and the relentless Jack Welch BS. Putting Calhoun in there was like putting the fox in the hen house. The entire board requires replacement and a thorough house cleaning - but no one will or can or has the b**ls. The Chicago move was a COMPLETE disaster, and as long as Boeing has one evil CEO after another, this will never get better....

    This is sickening. Boeing has been destroyed by the last two CEO's and the relentless Jack Welch BS. Putting Calhoun in there was like putting the fox in the hen house. The entire board requires replacement and a thorough house cleaning - but no one will or can or has the b**ls. The Chicago move was a COMPLETE disaster, and as long as Boeing has one evil CEO after another, this will never get better. Yet, the management team just glides right along, making tons of money on stock while the company is swirling around the drain.

  8. MoJoe Diamond

    It's sad but also maddening to see how far Boeing has fallen from being the world's leading airliner manufacturer to its present state. All three of Boeing's passenger jet programs (737 MAX, 777X, and 787) have experienced serious setbacks and major delays in production, safety and certification. Even the 767-based tanker for the USAF and the future 747 Air Force One have suffered cost overruns and/or delays. For Boeing to develop and manufacture a jet...

    It's sad but also maddening to see how far Boeing has fallen from being the world's leading airliner manufacturer to its present state. All three of Boeing's passenger jet programs (737 MAX, 777X, and 787) have experienced serious setbacks and major delays in production, safety and certification. Even the 767-based tanker for the USAF and the future 747 Air Force One have suffered cost overruns and/or delays. For Boeing to develop and manufacture a jet airliner on schedule is the exception rather than the norm now.

  9. jcil Guest

    I have sometimes wondered what Boeing would number their new designs after the next obvious choice for the 797. Unfortunately, I no longer think we will even see a new 797 airplane, so my curiosity will never be satisfied. I would not have ever thought 10 years ago the Boeing could ever become so technically incompetent. The 787 is their last ever totally new airplane design—they no longer have the engineering and management competence for a new, clean sheet design.

    1. Jan Guest

      They couldn't even get their 777x to the customers, and obviously the MAX had its own share of problems. Even the 787 had a pretty rough launch IIRC. So yes I have my doubts seeing a new 797 / 757 replacememt.
      What's going on? Looks like they didn't clean house hard enough after the MAX debacle.

    2. Win Whitmire Guest

      The major airlines have screamed at Boeing for a "757NG" to replace the aging 757s. Built on the 737 fuselage and at the same Renton plant, the 757 is a screaming hot rod. It has performance to fly into and out of Quito (high altitude), Santa Ana and Chicago Midway (short runways), climb high and run fast. Boeing, in its questionable wisdom said "no"! You should fly the 737-900." The -900 plane is prone to...

      The major airlines have screamed at Boeing for a "757NG" to replace the aging 757s. Built on the 737 fuselage and at the same Renton plant, the 757 is a screaming hot rod. It has performance to fly into and out of Quito (high altitude), Santa Ana and Chicago Midway (short runways), climb high and run fast. Boeing, in its questionable wisdom said "no"! You should fly the 737-900." The -900 plane is prone to tail strikes (short landing gear...long fuselage), takes forever to climb to altitude (can't get bigger engines because it sits so low to the ground) and has crappy short field and high altitude performance. It is rumored that Boeing could sell out production with a 757NG. Meanwhile, at Airbus, they're selling the A321Neo and the A220-300 (airlines want a Boeing 737-200/300NG too) at record levels and cranking them out at multiple plants around the world...and laughing their butts off on the way to the bank. Boeing's idea is "...let 'em eat cake!"

    3. Jcil Guest

      Agreed. The 757 was everything and more that they were trying to get with yet another 737 upgrade. What a different Boeing we might have had if they had re-engined the 757 and scrapped the 737 design. Instead we got the catastrophic MAX upgrade

  10. Jan Guest

    Looks like A359 and the A339's gonna be dominant in this era. I hope Airbus uses this time wisely and not stagnate.

    As for Boeing, get it together.

  11. Phillip Diamond

    I think this makes a demonstrated well why some airlines won’t rely on new aircraft to parade new products. People are quick to berate airlines for not putting new products in new aircraft etc… airlines like British Airways got especially bad press for taking on new 787s and A380s with the old Club seat. But look at the mess airlines get into when they align new products with new and unreliable aircraft deliveries! Such a...

    I think this makes a demonstrated well why some airlines won’t rely on new aircraft to parade new products. People are quick to berate airlines for not putting new products in new aircraft etc… airlines like British Airways got especially bad press for taking on new 787s and A380s with the old Club seat. But look at the mess airlines get into when they align new products with new and unreliable aircraft deliveries! Such a bad management of expectation for customers to the point where you don’t bother in the end!

    1. Anton Guest

      Emirates is now going to cancel their order.

  12. Tiger Guest

    Did Lufthansa bribe Skytrax for the 5-Star rating they received by announcing the introduction of the new business class seats back in 2017? How can an airline be awarded for a product that they have not yet introduced into their planes? By the time those 777X enter service in 2025 with Lufthansa, they will be outdated. Even their current business class seat is outdated at 6-abreast.

    1. DCAWABN Guest

      Essentially, yes. 100% Anyone that's flown Lufthansa (aside from F, and even that's debatable) knows they aren't a 5-star airline. This is why Skytrax is the laughing stock of the industry.

  13. RF Diamond

    Boeing really is untrustworthy. Good news for Airbus.

    1. john christmas Guest

      As a Brit, I would say, not really. I commend Airbus on its safety record and
      like all major Aircraft Manufacturers it has had its problems (A380). Both Boeing and Airbus have or will have very soon, a vicious competitor in China. Boeings downfall has nothing to do with engineers/designers or shop floor workers; its all been about management, very bad management. There is an air of arrogance, amid Corporate America, that seems to...

      As a Brit, I would say, not really. I commend Airbus on its safety record and
      like all major Aircraft Manufacturers it has had its problems (A380). Both Boeing and Airbus have or will have very soon, a vicious competitor in China. Boeings downfall has nothing to do with engineers/designers or shop floor workers; its all been about management, very bad management. There is an air of arrogance, amid Corporate America, that seems to run everything. Even the FAA was compromised. Add to that, the main culprits of the management board walk away with $64 million dollars!
      At the very least, a clean sweep of the management team, should of occurred but it did not. that leaves a stench in the air and Airlines and passengers alike will put a different light (after watching the Netflix video) on the once Great name of Boeing. They have a lot to do and given American grit, will do but do it very soon

  14. John Guest

    Just when you thought Lufthansa's joke of a new business class couldn't get even worse. And don't dismiss the possibility of more delays for either Boeing or Lufthansa. I fully anticipate not seeing the actual seat debut until 2027. That's a full decade after their infamous announcement.

  15. Amy Fischer Guest

    Boeing has been a disaster. The 787 really has been the only gem. It’s had its share of problems but at least it was a revolutionary design and Boeing could have continued in that direction. The Max was a disaster and now this flagship is as well. I honestly don’t trust Boeing anymore. This was supposed to be a small modification to the base airframe. The folding wingtips haven’t even been the problem. It’s the...

    Boeing has been a disaster. The 787 really has been the only gem. It’s had its share of problems but at least it was a revolutionary design and Boeing could have continued in that direction. The Max was a disaster and now this flagship is as well. I honestly don’t trust Boeing anymore. This was supposed to be a small modification to the base airframe. The folding wingtips haven’t even been the problem. It’s the simple stuff that Boeing should not have had a problem with for 40 years.

  16. Frank Guest

    I don’t care how long the delay is 2 years, 5 years, I want the planes built correctly and the public safe. The last thing you want is for them to release them and they have accidents and killing people. Please take your time and build them safely.

    1. Abe Guest

      Well, you don't care because you don't have an airline to run!

    2. ConcordeBoy Diamond

      Meh, gonna go out on a limb and suggest that Ethiopian and Lion Air would in retrospect both happily have taken a delay, rather than face burning holes in the ground/water with their name negatively in the headlines for a year or more....

  17. dander Guest

    Time for the board to fire a ton of upper management, and move the HQ back to Seattle. You cannot manage effectively without walking the production area

  18. jeffers New Member

    Least deserving "WOW" headline in this blogs history.

  19. Christian Guest

    Boeing executives moved company HQ to Chicago to escape being constantly harangued by engineers when those engineers foresaw a problem. Now, instead of storming in from next door to shove a document under some executive’s nose, an engineer needs to procure an appointment and make travel arrangements just to speak to someone who can correct a problem. Ever since this relocation, Boeing has had huge problems with every commercial airplane they’ve introduced. Coincidence?

    Boeing executives moved company HQ to Chicago to escape being constantly harangued by engineers when those engineers foresaw a problem. Now, instead of storming in from next door to shove a document under some executive’s nose, an engineer needs to procure an appointment and make travel arrangements just to speak to someone who can correct a problem. Ever since this relocation, Boeing has had huge problems with every commercial airplane they’ve introduced. Coincidence?

    1. TravelCat2 Gold

      No coincidence.

      Boeing designed and produced great products when the engineers were in charge. Since the move to Chicago, their commercial and space operations have been a hot mess.

    2. RF Diamond

      Agreed, they should move the corporate office back to Seattle.

    3. Sam Guest

      Illinois gave them the tax shelter at the time when WA had enough of their sh*t & we're no longer a one horse town. Boeing gave a short sighted ultimatum & tried to bully the state. This was in spite of Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Costco, etc. It wasn't about corporate infighting. Illinois seized the opportunity, gave the best bid & Boeing took it. WA knew Boeing couldn't move Renton or Everett.
      Insulation from engineers...

      Illinois gave them the tax shelter at the time when WA had enough of their sh*t & we're no longer a one horse town. Boeing gave a short sighted ultimatum & tried to bully the state. This was in spite of Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Costco, etc. It wasn't about corporate infighting. Illinois seized the opportunity, gave the best bid & Boeing took it. WA knew Boeing couldn't move Renton or Everett.
      Insulation from engineers is a (fatal, 7M8) side effect of grabbing the state corporate welfare. Penny smart, dollar stupid.

  20. echino Diamond

    Similar delay to Boeing Starliner.

  21. Jimmy’s Travel Report Diamond

    Boeing has had a number of serious problems the last few years, including the Max debacle, but they’ve also got a rich history of amazing products. I wouldn’t call any of their products “clown cars”. The aviation business will be sorting itself out post pandemic, hopefully the 777X will be a big part of the next decade.

  22. Eduardo Torrado Guest

    just cancel the whole thing, this is ridiculous

    1. ConcordeBoy Diamond

      LOL, brilliant solution...... :-/

  23. john Guest

    Airbus will probably have the A350 with the new RR UltraFan ready before Boeing gets this clown car off the ground.

    1. john christmas Guest

      I have to add although the 777x was a great idea and would probably been a great Aircraft (not withstanding the management ) BUT things have moved on. the pandemic has not helped. The A380 lost out to two engines but not before the passenger/airline remit changed. As can be seen by the A321LR. Airlines will be recovering from the pandemic with huge holes in their bank balances. that puts the 777x at risk, in...

      I have to add although the 777x was a great idea and would probably been a great Aircraft (not withstanding the management ) BUT things have moved on. the pandemic has not helped. The A380 lost out to two engines but not before the passenger/airline remit changed. As can be seen by the A321LR. Airlines will be recovering from the pandemic with huge holes in their bank balances. that puts the 777x at risk, in that its LARGE and large aircraft are not what airlines want right now. In fact, probably the largest Aircraft will be based around the A350 and B787. it begs the question, should Boeing cut its loses, cancel the 777x and divert to a 757 replacement?

  24. Clayton Guest

    LH with their, totally not paid for, 5 star Skytrax rating for a product STILL not in a single plane.....

    Boeing: Hold our beer. We're gonna give this one a real college-try and do our best to best it

    1. Tiger Guest

      By the time the 777X enters service with LH in 2025 of after that, the seats will be outdated.

  25. Ray Guest

    Didn’t Sir Tim Clark say he’d just cancel the 777X if delays get worse? That’ll be one to watch. Boeing better send someone to Dubai fast and offer sweeteners.

    And I still think Lufthansa’s 5-star Skytrax rating is a joke

    1. reddargon Diamond

      The article Lucky is basing this off of says that Tim Clark essentially already weighed in on this weeks ago. From the article:

      "The delay is in line with an estimate given by the plane's biggest customer - Emirates Airlines - whose president, Tim Clark, told Aviation Daily in an April 7 story he did expect to receive its first Boeing 777X before 2025."

      So it sounds like he's already accepted this delay. That being...

      The article Lucky is basing this off of says that Tim Clark essentially already weighed in on this weeks ago. From the article:

      "The delay is in line with an estimate given by the plane's biggest customer - Emirates Airlines - whose president, Tim Clark, told Aviation Daily in an April 7 story he did expect to receive its first Boeing 777X before 2025."

      So it sounds like he's already accepted this delay. That being said, I wouldn't put it past him to cancel or convert to 787s--we'll just have to wait and see. But if he wants the biggest plane he can get, the 777X is the only option.

  26. Cb Guest

    Maybe Boeing should spin off its commercial airline biz

    1. Shar Guest

      Boeing is a mess across the board. NASA Starliner delivery is beset with issues and delayed. Also google the moon Artemis program where Boeing ran afoul of procurement rules to rescue a bid they got there asses kicked by space x and blue origin.

  27. Amir Tak Guest

    Tim Clark ain't gonna be happy.

    1. Tiger Guest

      What about Qatar Airways' CEO? He must be planning to come up with some drama.

    2. csmede Guest

      He'll be complaining about the leaking paint job :)

Featured Comments Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ).

The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered.

Christian Guest

Boeing executives moved company HQ to Chicago to escape being constantly harangued by engineers when those engineers foresaw a problem. Now, instead of storming in from next door to shove a document under some executive’s nose, an engineer needs to procure an appointment and make travel arrangements just to speak to someone who can correct a problem. Ever since this relocation, Boeing has had huge problems with every commercial airplane they’ve introduced. Coincidence?

5
dander Guest

Time for the board to fire a ton of upper management, and move the HQ back to Seattle. You cannot manage effectively without walking the production area

4
RF Diamond

Agreed, they should move the corporate office back to Seattle.

3
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