Industry Boeing 777X performs successful first flight

Boeing´s latest flagship, the 777X has finally completed its maiden flight.

  • 3

The first Boeing 777X prototype aircraft has successfully performed its first flight. The aircraft took off to a three hour and 51-minute-long flight. This flight marks the next phase of the program´s rigorous test program.

Captain Chaney and Boeing Chief Pilot Craig Bomben were the pilots during the first flight, which needed to be postponed for several times due to bad weather. Just on Friday, the aircraft waited several hours near the line-up, just for the wind to weaken.

"The 777X flew beautifully, and today's testing was very productive," said Capt. Van Chaney, 777/777X chief pilot for Boeing Test & Evaluation. "Thank you to all the teams who made today possible. I can't wait to go fly your airplane again."

Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes added: "Our Boeing team has taken the most successful twin-aisle jet of all time and made it even more efficient, more capable and more comfortable for all [...] Today's safe first flight of the 777X is a tribute to the years of hard work and dedication from our teammates, our suppliers and our community partners in Washington state and across the globe."

In total, Boeing will use four 777-9 test aircraft. The first airframe will now undergo checks before resuming testing in the upcoming days. Last year, Boeing started ground testing with the aircraft. These ground tests will continue to ensure all services and technical features are working properly.

Over the next months, the test aircraft fleet will undergo a comprehensive series of tests on the ground and in the air. Boeing seeks to receive FAA and EASA and further authorities´ type certificate this year. This certificate ensures, that the aircraft is safe for passenger transport.

The 777X is the latest member in Boeing´s long-haul portfolio. The aircraft is said to use 10 percent less fuel to deliver the flight experience of the future. A new spacious cabin with large overhead bins that close easily has been developed.

New foldable wing-ends will allow airlines to operate the aircraft safely on ground without collapsing with other aircraft. Overall, Boeing has used many technologies from the 787 Dreamliner.

In 2021, Boeing hopes to deliver the first 777-9 to launch customer Emirates. Currently, the program has 340 orders and commitments from ANA, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.

Source © boeing.mediaroom.com

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn more