Following the failure of structural engine components, Boeing has paused the certification test flights of its 777-9 aircraft, grounding the test fleet.

The 777-9 has been in development since 2014 and was marketed as a fuel-efficient long-range aircraft that can accommodate up to 426 passengers. Despite many confirmed orders from airlines, the certification has been delayed by several setbacks. This includes the COVID-19 pandemic, the stringent new certification process after the Boeing 737 Max crashes in 2018/19, and the ongoing Boeing safety investigation into the 737 Max programme after a safety incident in January 2024.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the next certification step for Boeing’s 777-9 aircraft in July 2024, leading to the first test flights on 12 July. However, it was reported that the flight testing had been put on hold towards the end of August 2024 owing to the failure of a structural mounting engine part resulting in further delays to the certification and delivery of the aircraft to customers.

Boeing’s aircraft deliveries have already been significantly impacted by the FAA, which has limited its 737 Max production to 38 units per month while the regulator tries to rectify the safety issues highlighted during an extensive investigation. Moreover, the continued supply chain disruption in the aerospace industry has resulted in extended delivery timelines, to such a degree that Airbus has reportedly started to turn down new orders. Given that commercial air travel demand is set to increase over the next two decades, it is forecast that up to 43,000 new aircraft will have to be delivered by 2043. Although the appointment of a new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has boosted airline confidence in Boeing’s capabilities, the manufacturer still has a long way to go to address the FAA safety concerns. Nevertheless, should Boeing not recover swiftly from the safety investigations and certification delays, Airbus, and potentially Chinese newcomer COMAC, will take up market share as production capacity is built out to meet this demand.