Challenges in Boeing’s 777X Certification
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg recently disclosed that the company is contending with significant challenges in the certification process for the 777X aircraft. Ortberg described the situation as a “mountain of work,” attributing the delays to ongoing difficulties in securing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approvals.
FAA Authorization Hurdles
Ortberg explained, “We still don’t have authorization from the FAA for a good portion of the certification program, so we’re working through that right now with the FAA.” This statement highlights Boeing’s current predicament and indicates that the company is “clearly behind our plan in getting the certification done.”
Flight Test Program Status
- Boeing currently has five 777X aircraft in its flight test program.
- The manufacturer is aiming to deliver the first of these jets by 2026.
- This target is delayed by six years from the original goal of 2020.
Progress Dependency
Despite these challenges, Boeing remains committed to its delivery timeline. Ortberg noted that achieving this goal heavily depends on acquiring Type Inspection Authorizations (TIAs) from the FAA.
