GE Aerospace does not expect a durability issue with the GE9X engine’s mid-seal to push back Boeing’s 777X entry into service. The part has been redesigned, with engines carrying the new seal already shipping to Boeing in the third quarter, while FAA certification of the production configuration is expected in the coming months.
The issue centres on the GE9X, the sole engine for the 777X. GE identified the root cause earlier this year and separated the certification path for the current test configuration from the production version, allowing Boeing to continue work on the aircraft programme without waiting for approval of the redesigned seal.
GE Aerospace chief financial officer Rahul Ghai outlined the update at a Morgan Stanley conference. He said the existing seal remains usable for certification testing, including work needed before Boeing can begin ETOPS testing, while the redesigned component moves through a separate approval process. The 777X remains one of Boeing’s most closely watched programmes after repeated delays.