(Reuters) – Boeing (NYSE:) has formally begun flight testing of the 777-9 in the presence of U.S. aviation regulators, Air Current reported late on Friday, marking a step forward in the certification process.
The start of flight testing by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was accompanied by a key certification milestone called type certification, which means aspects of the design are fully ready for government evaluation and ensure the aircraft meets regulatory standards, Aviation News Service reported, citing two people familiar with the program’s process.
Boeing and the FAA did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment outside business hours.
The 777X, also known as the 777-9, is a larger, more fuel-efficient version of the 777 wide-body jet and has been in development since 2013 but has faced multiple delays.
The chairman of Emirates Airlines, the plane’s largest customer, said in May that he did not expect the plane to be certified before the first quarter of 2025.
Boeing has been under intense scrutiny from the FAA over potential safety issues since a 737 Max jet suffered an in-flight panel rupture on January 5.
In April, the FAA also began investigating whistleblower allegations that the company ignored safety and quality concerns in the production of the 787 and 777 jets.
