First Flight Subject To Weather, Other Conditions, Planemaker Says

Update: 01.23.20 0932 EDT

Boeing announced late Wednesday night eastern time that the flight would be delayed at least a day due to weather. The company said they would try again on Friday.

Original Story:

Boeing could conduct the first flight of the 777X today, if the weather in Washington State cooperates and other factors all fall into place.

Boeing announced the scheduling of a first flight in a Tweet on Tuesday. "After years of design and testing, it’s almost time to fly. The #777X will make its first flight as early as January 23, subject to weather and other factors," the company said.

The first flight marks the beginning of the flight test campaign. The 777X is not expected to be carrying passengers for airlines until 2021.

Boeing says the 777X will be the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, unmatched in every aspect of performance. With new breakthroughs in aerodynamics and engines, the 777X will deliver 10 percent lower fuel use and emissions and 10 percent lower operating costs than the competition. A true family, the 777X offers low-risk, profitable growth, industry-leading reliability and seamless integration with the 777 and 787 Dreamliner families for even more flexibility.

But given the scrutiny of the certification for the 737 MAX, which was also an evolutionary variant of an existing airplane, it's likely that the FAA will pay very close attention to the 777X as it moves through the certification process. With that in mind, the projected 2021 Entry Into Service may be a bit optimistic.

Boing will be webcasting the first flight of the 777X.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.boeing.com/commercial/777x/first-flight