The Boeing 777X was originally due to enter commercial service in 2020. However, a series of setbacks and delays have meant that, as things stand now, the manufacturer anticipates the aircraft will enter commercial service in 2025. Since its introduction in 1995 with United Airlines, the 777 has been one of Boeing's best-selling aircraft, with more than 1,700 examples delivered to carriers around the world.
The 777X hopes to build on that impressive legacy, combining it with the range and efficiency of more modern aircraft such as the 787. Boeing has already received over 450 orders for the 777X, although this still puts it some way behind the more than 1,100 orders that Airbus has received for its rival A350 aircraft. 205 of those orders have come from Emirates, which will be the 777X's largest operator.
Among the other worldwide carriers also awaiting delivery of the aircraft are: All Nippon Airways Qatar Airways Cathay Pacific Singapore Airlines. Boeing currently has 503 total 777X orders from 13 named airlines and some as-yet unidentified customers. As airlines eagerly await the arrival of their Boeing 777Xs, we take a look at what has led to the Boeing 777X program running at least five years behind schedule.
1 Engine problems GE9X - the largest engine on a commercial aircraft The Boeing 777X is powered by two GE9X engines, which are the largest engines ever on a commercial aircraft. The GE9X is a complex engine, and durability problems were first identified back in 2019.