Seattle, June 4, 2026 — Boeing’s long-troubled 777X program has encountered yet another setback, as senior FAA officials indicated that full certification for the next-generation widebody aircraft is now likely to slip into early 2027.
Speaking at the CAPA Airline Leaders Summit in late May 2026, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford stated that the regulator expects to certify the remaining 737 MAX variants (MAX 7 and MAX 10) first, with the 777X following afterward he has reportedly said that we will get the MAX 7 first, then followed by the -10 and hopefully the 777X early next year.
This latest signal comes despite Boeing’s previous target of achieving FAA certification by October 2026. The development adds pressure to a program that has already faced multiple delays since its launch in 2013. Originally slated for first delivery in 2020, the 777X — which includes the 777-9 passenger variant, 777-8, and 777-8 Freighter — is now more than seven years behind its initial schedule.
In October 2025, Boeing formally pushed first customer deliveries to 2027 and recorded a significant $4.9 billion pre-tax charge related to the revised timeline. The company attributed the shift primarily to extended certification work rather than new technical issues. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg had earlier acknowledged that the program was “clearly behind plan,” citing the need for more time to complete the extensive checklist required by the FAA.
The 777X features advanced technologies, including the world’s largest composite wings with folding wingtips, new GE9X engines, and improved fuel efficiency — promising 20% lower fuel burn and emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces. Despite the delays, Boeing continues active flight testing. As of mid-2025, the test fleet had accumulated thousands of flight hours, and production aircraft, including the first for launch customer Lufthansa, have begun flying.
The program has secured over 620 orders from major carriers including Emirates (270 aircraft), Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and others. However, repeated delays have forced airlines to adjust fleet plans, sometimes extending the service life of older 777 models.
Industry analysts note that heightened post-737 MAX regulatory scrutiny has contributed to the slower pace. Boeing maintains it is building aircraft and preparing for deliveries in 2027, emphasizing a “higher confidence plan” for customers.
The latest development underscores ongoing challenges for Boeing in rebuilding trust and execution capability in its commercial airplane division. The company has not issued a new official statement revising the timeline beyond the 2027 delivery target set last year.