Boeing 777X

Editors discuss the next-generation freighter market after first flight of the Airbus A350F and with Boeing's 777-8F in line to take off soon.

Ethiopian Airlines Group has signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire eight 777-8F and two 777F freighters to support its cargo growth.

Not all reform efforts are adding requirements. The FAA has been busy working to streamline the backlogged certificate application process without cutting corners.

Long-running tensions between Boeing and GE Aerospace over engines surfaced again, with 777X the cause du jour. Editors explain the dynamics at play along with other new developments at Boeing.

Tensions come to the fore as Boeing and engine supplier GE Aerospace send mixed messages amid uncertainty over the start of the 777-9 ETOPS campaign.

Boeing has received U.S. approval to build an additional 35 777F freighters, exempting it from impending ICAO emissions regulations that would have prevented deliveries beyond 2027.

GE is working with Boeing to finalize an ETOPS test package for the 777-9, underscoring that its upgraded mid-seal is not needed for the critical flight trials.

Boeing says FAA approval to begin ETOPS flight tests on the 777-9 is on hold pending resolution of the mid-seal issue on the aircraft’s GE9X engines.

Korean Air has confirmed it has placed an order for 103 Boeing aircraft, which the airframer said had been listed as undisclosed orders on its backlog.

Indian cargo carrier Afcom has reached an initial agreement to purchase up to four Boeing 777-8Fs, a dramatic fleet and capacity expansion for the airline.

Airlines and lessors placed large orders at Farnborough Airshow 2026 despite significant production backlogs.

Cathay Pacific plans to order nearly 50 more aircraft, aiming for a 300-strong fleet by 2033, driven by Hong Kong Airport’s three-runway expansion.

Lufthansa has joined Emirates with plans to reject early-built Boeing 777Xs, the company’s CEO Carsten Spohr confirmed.

Boeing begins ETOPS testing for the 777-9, a key step toward certification, with initial deliveries expected after FAA approval in early 2027.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

As Boeing prepares for change incorporation on the early-build 777-9 fleet, Emirates says it will refuse to accept the airline’s first 10 airframes.

Emirates has 270 777-9s on order, with the first scheduled to enter service in Q2 2027.

Emirates is rejecting delivery of the first 10 Boeing 777-9s produced for the airline given the extensive rework the aircraft would need to bring them up to current standards.

BCA president and CEO Stephanie Pope took up the role in March 2024 (she is also Boeing Company EVP).

Boeing drives improvements in supply chain engagement and company culture.

Boeing plans to streamline certification timelines for its next aircraft, building on lessons from the 777-9 program and enhanced FAA collaboration.

Boeing nears 777-9 certification with over 50% of flight tests complete, focusing on ETOPS, pilot training and finalizing production aircraft.

Widebody sales have been rebounding since the pandemic.

Lufthansa is preparing to launch a large competition for more widebody aircraft, according to CEO Carsten Spohr.

China Southern Airlines has ordered seven Boeing freighters, comprising two 777Fs and five 777-8Fs, becoming the first Chinese carrier to commit to Boeing's latest freighter variant.