• Successful Test Flight: The fifth Boeing 777-9 test aircraft successfully completed its first flight, a key step for the program.
• Significant Milestone: This was the first time in nearly five years that a newly built 777-9 was taken from construction through its inaugural flight.
• Progress Towards Certification: The program has now surpassed 4,000 hours of flight testing across its fleet, moving closer to its goal of delivering the first plane in 2026.
• Excellent Performance: The flight crew reported that the new airplane “flies beautifully” and performed exactly as expected during the flight.

Boeing is celebrating a significant step forward in its widebody program as the fifth 777-9 test airplane successfully completed its inaugural flight. Soaring from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, the aircraft was in the air for nearly two and a half hours, with the flight crew reporting that it flew beautifully and performed exactly as expected. This flight marks a wonderful achievement for the team, as it was the first time in almost five years that a newly built 777-9 was taken from the factory floor through all preparations to its first flight.

The milestone is a testament to the hard work, energy, and immense pride of the engineers and production teams who prepared the state-of-the-art aircraft. Their dedication is paving the way for the 777-9’s certification and its eventual delivery to customers, which is anticipated for 2026.

With the entire test fleet having now surpassed 4,000 hours of rigorous flight testing, the 777X program is making great strides. This latest successful flight is a clear and positive sign of progress, showcasing the safety and reliability of the aircraft’s innovative design as it moves into the next phase of ground and flight testing. The entire Boeing family is looking forward to getting this impressive new airplane certified and into the fleets of its global customers.

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