Boeing 777X takes off for first test flight

On 25 January 2020 at 10:00 PST (18:00 UTC), the new Boeing 777X (in its 777-9 version) entered the next phase of its rigorous test programme, with its take-off for a successful first 5-hour test flight from Paine Field at Everett, Wash.

The flight was originally scheduled on 23 January, but poor weather conditions prevented take-off during two days. For uncertified aircraft and test flights, the wind must be below 10 knots, and so the decision was taken to delay the first 777x flight today.

Based on the most successful twin-aisle aeroplane ever, the Boeing 777, and with advanced technologies from the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the 777X will be the largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet in the world, with an exceptional passenger experience, according to Boeing.

The GE9X high-bypass turbofan engine is so large that it could only be fitted to a Boeing 747-400 for testing.

The first delivery has been postponed several times due to technical issues and is now scheduled for 2021. Emirates has 115 aircraft on order (down from 160), Qatar Airways ordered 60 of them, British Airways 42, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airlines and Singapore Airlines have each ordered 20 777X aircraft as well.