Production of Boeing’s new 777X has already been delayed a year before the current pandemic, and now it looks like it could be further delayed.
What is the Boeing 777X?
For those of you unfamiliar, 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 longer-range and larger than the 777. existing (and also larger). of 787, which are also popular).
Clearly, there will no longer be a market for aircraft like the A380 and 747-8 (even before the pandemic), this will probably be the largest new aircraft we will see built in the next decade.
Boeing 777-9
The Boeing 777X has already been delayed.
The entry into service of the Boeing 777X has already been significantly delayed. The plane was supposed to complete its first test flight in mid-2019, but that ended up being delayed in early 2020.
This delay was due to problems with the GE9X General Electric engines on the plane. These are the largest engines on a commercial aircraft, although they had durability issues, causing a delay in certification.
However, that was not the only problem: During the 777X certification process, a door also exploded during a stress test.
Lufthansa Boeing 777-9 rendering
Lack of demand could further delay the 777X
While there has been no official Boeing announcement yet, Reuters reports that Boeing plans to significantly delay deliveries of the 777X. Apparently, this is not due to any problems with the plane, but to the complete lack of customer demand.
Previously, the plan was for the 777X to enter service in 2021, but various sources now report a delay of several months, or even a year, as Boeing seeks to work with customers who literally don’t need the planes at the moment.
Presumably, aircraft manufacturers and airlines are having a lot of difficult conversations right now. Ultimately, there is little value in increasing production if airlines do not voluntarily accept delivery of these aircraft.
Beyond the lack of demand, it goes without saying that we could still see more delays on the 777X for other reasons. The 777X will be the first major new certified aircraft since the current Boeing 737 MAX fiasco, so I hope the aircraft will receive additional scrutiny from regulators.
Emirates has Boeing 777-9 in order
Why we should be concerned as passengers
It is understandable that airlines have higher priorities than the passenger experience at the moment, although I still feel it is necessary to mention one of the often overlooked implications of an additional delay of the Boeing 777X.
Many airlines were going to use the 777X as their new flagship, and they were going to introduce all the new cabins into these planes. For example:
Initially, we were supposed to see many of these products in 2020, then 2021, and now it could well be 2022, or even later.
Lufthansa’s New Business Class Debuting at 777-9
Bottom line
It appears that the 777X could see a further delay in entry into service, as Boeing realizes that trying to increase production of this aircraft during the current pandemic may be a futile effort.
Prior to this, the plan was for 777X production to start in 2021, and now that may move to 2022, or even beyond.
It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
When do you think we will see the first delivery of the Boeing 777X?
