Boeing completed the maiden flight of the first production 777-9 aircraft on May 7, 2026. The aircraft departed from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, for launch customer Lufthansa. This flight represents a major step toward certification for the long-delayed 777X program.
Boeing now expects to begin commercial deliveries in 2027. The program has faced nearly seven years of delays due to technical and regulatory hurdles. This milestone indicates progress toward stabilizing the program and generating revenue from its significant backlog.
Lufthansa will use the next-generation widebody jet to modernize its long-haul fleet. The German carrier plans to replace its aging Boeing 747-400s with the new aircraft.