Boeing has warned that part of the 777-9 certification campaign could slip into 2027 after engine work on GE Aerospace’s GE9X delayed the start of ETOPS testing, narrowing the time available to complete the remaining flight-test steps this year. The update came at the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference, where Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg also kept the programme’s first delivery target at 2027.
ETOPS approval is a critical milestone for the twin-engine 777-9, allowing it to operate on long-haul overwater routes and other extended-range sectors. Boeing still needs Federal Aviation Administration authorisation before demonstrations can begin, while GE must finish its certification plan for the mid-seal fix on the engine. GE has identified the durability issue and started shipping engines with the improved part, although the redesigned production component follows a separate FAA approval path.
The 777-9 has already faced multiple delays, making the certification schedule closely watched by airline customers including Emirates and Lufthansa Group. Boeing has continued progressing through FAA Type Inspection Authorisations, but ETOPS remains the key outstanding step before type certification and deliveries can move ahead.