The Boeing 777X completed its first flight on 25th January, achieving a milestone in its test program. The aircraft undertook a three hour, 51 minute flight over Washington state before landing at Seattle’s Boeing Field.
“The 777X flew beautifully, and today’s testing was very productive,” said Capt. Van Chaney, 777/777X chief pilot for Boeing Test & Evaluation. The primary purpose of the test flight was to exercise the 777X’s systems and structures while the test team in Seattle monitored flight data in real time.
The first of four dedicated 777-9 flight test airplanes, WH001 will now undergo checks before resuming testing in the coming days. The four aircraft will endure a comprehensive series of tests and conditions on the ground and in the air over the coming months to demonstrate the safety and reliability of the design.
Boeing forecasts entry into commercial service and aircraft delivery in 2021. According to the manufacturer, there are currently 340 orders and commitments from airlines including ANA, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.