Boeing has received approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin the third of five phases in the certification process for the new 777-9. This marks a new step toward final approval of the long-awaited type.

Sources state that this phase will involve the most extensive series of evaluations. Boeing emphasizes that the certification and entry into service of the 777-9 are scheduled for 2027.

The aircraft was originally scheduled for introduction in 2020. However, several technical issues caused significant delays to the program, resulting in high costs for the manufacturer.

Major customers for the Boeing 777X, of which the 777-9 is being developed first, include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways. Boeing has now sold a total of 565 777-8s, 8Fs, and 9s.

Editor's note: it seems not a single order for a US-based airline

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* Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)