Aviation News – Boeing is expected to announce another delay to its long-awaited 777X program, pushing the first delivery of its next-generation aircraft to 2027, according to Bloomberg. The setback adds to years of complications that have slowed the entry of the jet into service.
The U.S. aerospace giant has yet to confirm the report, stating only that further details will be shared on October 29, 2025, during its second-quarter results. The 777X program, originally launched in 2013, was designed to replace the 777 and compete directly with Airbus’s A350. Lufthansa, the launch customer, has reportedly removed the aircraft from its flight planning, while Emirates, another major buyer, is said to be preparing the same step.
The twin-engine 777X, led by the 777-9 variant, first flew in January 2020. The program has since been hit by pandemic disruptions, tougher certification rules following the 737 MAX crashes, and structural issues discovered during testing. Boeing has already absorbed $10 billion in charges linked to the program, and analysts expect the new delay could add up to $4 billion more.
“This aircraft is critical to Boeing’s long-term competitiveness in the widebody market,” an industry spokesperson said. “While setbacks are costly, airlines and passengers alike are counting on the efficiency and range the 777X promises.”
The delay underscores the pressure on Boeing to restore confidence among airlines and regulators while delivering an aircraft that can meet rising demand for long-haul travel. Analysts warn that prolonged setbacks could hand Airbus further advantage in the lucrative widebody market.
The 777X was once hailed as Boeing’s flagship for the 2020s, offering greater fuel efficiency and passenger capacity. Now, with its entry into service pushed back by at least six years from the original 2021 target, the aircraft faces a tougher climb to fulfill its promise. Still, with 565 firm orders, Boeing’s success will depend on regaining stability and meeting its commitments.
