Boeing has successfully completed the first flight of the world's largest twin-engine jetliner - a respite from the ongoing controversy surrounding the 737 MAX.
It took three attempts to get the 777X off the ground, as the first two planned tests were abandoned owing to high winds.
The plane - which is 77m (252ft) long and can seat more than 400 passengers - took off from a runway just outside Seattle on the US west coast.
Boeing pushes first delivery of the 777X to 2023 Boeing has been facing delays in launching the new Boeing 777X aircraft, initially on account of design issues with the engines. The Boeing 777X flight testing programme only started in January 2020, after a long delay, and the plane's first delivery was pushed to 2022 at that moment. When Boeing launched the 777X in. Chief commercial officer at Air France—a major 777 operator—said at the CAPA Live summit in December that the A350-1000 will be the largest aircraft the. Boeing last week announced a $6.5 billion charge on the 777X in part due to weaker-than-expected demand for the model. 'Delays on the 737 MAX and 777X programs have resulted in, and may continue. The 777x under construction in Boeing's factory with the wingtips folded up. Boeing Boeing's new 777x wasn't at the Paris Air Show this week, but the company still did its best to show off the.
Four hours later, it landed at the historic Boeing Field, not far from rows of 737 MAX planes left grounded after two fatal crashes triggered safety concerns.
The new Boeing model, which will be officially known as the 777-9, also boasts folding wingtips that mean it can fit its wings into the same parking bays as other jets.
Following the successful maiden voyage, Boeing executive Stan Deal said: 'It's a proud day for us. It made all of our employees proud one more time of who we are and what we get to do, by flying a brand-new aeroplane that is going to change the world one more time.'
Boeing's new 777X is expected to enter service in 2021 - with development issues meaning this is a year later than planned. Each plane is worth an estimated $442m (£338m).
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Following the successful maiden voyage, Boeing executive Stan Deal said: 'It's a proud day for us. It made all of our employees proud one more time of who we are and what we get to do, by flying a brand-new aeroplane that is going to change the world one more time.'
Boeing's new 777X is expected to enter service in 2021 - with development issues meaning this is a year later than planned. Each plane is worth an estimated $442m (£338m).
More from Boeing
More than 300 of the planes have already been sold, and the jet is expected to compete with the A350-1000, a new offering by rival Airbus.
Regulatory hurdles do lie ahead for the 777X, which will be the first major aircraft to be certified since the role of software flaws in two fatal 737 MAX crashes emerged.
The Federal Aviation Administration has vowed that rigorous testing will be conducted before the plane is allowed to carry passengers - while Emirates, one of Boeing's clients, has said the plane should be put through 'hell on Earth' to ensure it is safe and performs properly.
Boeing 777x Livery
Boeing's chief test pilot Craig Bomben, who served as a co-pilot for Saturday's flight, said: 'We took the time to get the aeroplane ready for flight test so I think we are going to march through flight tests successfully and quickly and get it certified to the FAA standards.'
