Boeing has been waiting for this day for a long time. After several delays, the 777X is now taking off for the first time. Follow the maiden flight live.
It didn’t work the day before. The weather was too bad. But on Friday (January 24th) the Boeing 777X was to take off for the first flight in Seattle. This marks the beginning of the next phase of the “strict test program”, according to the manufacturer. So far, the functions of the new long-haul jet have only been tested on the ground.
On the one hand, Boeing carried out various static tests with the aircraft, on the other hand, the 777X underwent roll, acceleration and braking tests, among other things. There were also setbacks. First, the giant engine GE9X developed by GE caused problems, then it tore a cargo door out of the fuselage during an inspection.
Customers are waiting for flight tests to start
Now the aircraft manufacturer has to prove that all the shortcomings have been overcome and that the 777X can start the flight test phase. This is important in order to win new customers, but also to keep customers who have already ordered the plane and who will be waiting longer than originally expected.
Lufthansa is one of them. After the date for the first delivery had shifted several times, the German airline converted part of its 777-9 order to options last November. The Australian Qantas meanwhile decided against the 777X and preferred the Airbus A350 for their Project Sunrise.
Boeing needs to address concerns
By the end of 2019, Boeing had placed orders for 309 copies of the 777X. Last October, John Plueger, head of the leasing company Air Lease Corporation, told aeroTELEGRAPH: “We need a larger number of airline customers who have chosen the 777X.” There are also some concerns about the engine and the final certification of the jet.
The start was announced for 9:25 a.m. local time – 6:25 p.m. Central European time – but there was a delay. Due to bad weather, the start was postponed and eventually canceled. The maiden flight is now scheduled for Saturday.
If the live stream does not work, it may be overloaded. Then please be patient.
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