737 Max Nightmare Overcome... Boeing's 777X Completes First Test Flight Successfully

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Boeing's next-generation passenger aircraft 777X has successfully completed its test flight, CNBC reported on the 25th (local time).

According to the report, the 777X took off around 10 a.m. Pacific Time from Everett near Seattle, Washington, where Boeing's factory is located, and safely completed a 4-hour flight. The test flight was originally scheduled for the 23rd but was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. Although there was some fog on the day, the test flight was successful.

The first test flight is a key procedure conducted before official approval from aviation authorities. Boeing plans to officially submit an approval application to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after a series of test flights. Boeing expects the 777X to be commercially available starting next year.

The 777X is an upgraded version of the existing Boeing 777 model, which first flew in 1994. It is a large aircraft with two aisles and twin engines. It is notable for its "folding wings" that can be folded upward at both ends, and Emirates Airlines is expected to be the first to receive this aircraft.

U.S. foreign media evaluated that Boeing, which is struggling due to the suspension of 737 Max operations, is pinning its hopes on the 777X. The 737 Max, which has been grounded worldwide since March last year following two crash disasters, faces uncertain prospects for resuming operations. Boeing is upgrading the software system and awaiting FAA approval, but it is expected that approval will be difficult to obtain until mid-year.

CNBC described the first test flight of the 777X as "another milestone for Boeing, which is facing difficulties due to the 737 Max incident." CNBC explained that Boeing had received orders for 344 units of the 777X by the third quarter of last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.