Boeing’s Flagship 777X Aircraft Delivery Delayed Until 2027
Boeing has confirmed yet another significant delay for its flagship 777X widebody aircraft. The first deliveries have now been pushed back to 2027, a full seven years behind the original schedule. This delay has resulted in a pre-tax charge of $4.9 billion for Boeing, escalating the total 777X program losses to an estimated $15 billion.
Emirates, the largest customer with a whopping 205 aircraft on order, has been compelled to spend an additional $5 billion on retrofitting existing planes to compensate for the unforeseen delays. The 777X program has been plagued by a series of setbacks including manufacturing complications, worker strikes, and heightened FAA certification requirements in the wake of Boeing’s previous safety issues.
Lufthansa, the launch customer, no longer anticipates receiving its first jet in 2026. These delays are having a significant impact on airline fleet planning worldwide. Carriers such as Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines have all been affected by the postponement of their new flagship cabin products planned for the 777X.