Boeing carried out the first flight of the third 777X prototype to leave the final assembly line of Everett, United States. The manufacturer recently announced the first delivery of the aircraft would be postponed by a year to 2022.
The aircraft, registered N779XY, took off for a maiden flight with a duration of 3 hours and 34 minutes. After taking off from Everett Paine Field (PAE), the Boeing 777X flew around the state of Washington, before landing at Seattle Boeing Field (BFI).
The sortie was dedicated to engine testing, according to the manufacturer. “Sporting our new test livery, WH003 will test propulsion performance as part of our rigorous test program,” said Boeing.
The Boeing 777X flight test campaign started earlier this year with the maiden flight taking place on January 25, 2020. But flight tests were interrupted at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, along with Boeing production. The facilities of the manufacturer were thoroughly cleaned and the workplaces were reorganized. The campaign resumed with the maiden flight of the second prototype on April 30, 2020.
Boeing recently announced the postponement of the first 777X delivery to 2022, as it reported a $2.4 billion net loss for the second quarter of 2020.