The fourth Boeing 777-9 took its first test flight over Washington, the United States. The twin-engine jet joined the rest of the 777X fleet at Boeing Field at Seattle.
On September 20, 2020, another Boeing’s 777X family member took to the skies for the first time and successfully joined the flight testing program. Currently, the manufacturer is planning to complete the cabin systems checks and other extended operations as a part of the test program. The aim remains to begin the commercial passenger flights in 2022.
Previously, the manufacturer has already completed a part of maiden flight tests with three different 777-9 aircraft. The first of 777X jets completed its first four-hour flight earlier in January 2020. Few months apart, in April 2020, the second 777-9 took to the sky for testing, while the third jet took off in August in the same year. So far, all of four twin-engine jets have successfully coped with the tasks.
In the aircraft introduction letter, Boeing announced that the new 777X will be the world’s largest and most efficient aircraft. The manufacturer hopes that the aircraft will repeat the success of its iconic Boeing 747, also known as Jumbo Jet or Queen of the Skies.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Boeing had to postpone the 777X introduction to 2022 after tanking considerable losses in Q2 2020.