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Boeing halts 777X test flights due to structural issue in critical component

By Chris Williams
Published  August 21, 2024 11:58am EDT
Transportation
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The Brief 

    • Boeing has paused flight testing of its 777X aircraft due to a structural issue with a custom component between the engine and the aircraft structure.
    • The company is replacing the faulty part, inspecting the test fleet, and keeping the FAA and customers informed while preparing to resume testing.
    • The 777X, designed to compete with the Airbus A350, is expected to carry up to 400 passengers and be 20% more fuel-efficient, featuring a composite wing similar to Boeing’s 787.

Boeing is pausing flight testing its fleet of 777X aircrafts after discovering structural problems. 

"During scheduled maintenance, we identified a component that did not perform as designed," the company said in a statement to FOX Television Stations. "Our team is replacing the part and capturing any learnings from the component and will resume flight testing when ready."

The aeropsace manufacturer placed the blame on a structural component part, custom to the 777-9, between the engine and the airplane structure.

The Boeing 777X flies during the Farnborough International Airshow 2022 on July 19, 2022 in Farnborough, England. Farnborough International Airshow 2022 will host leading innovators from the aerospace, aviation and defence industries. (Photo by John

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The company said they are continuing to inspect the test fleet for the condition, and are keeping the Federal Aviation Administration and customers "fully informed."

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What is the Boeing 777X?

The 777X is meant to compete with the Airbus A350. It is expected to carry as many as 400 passengers and to be 20 percent more fuel efficient than the current 777.

Instead of the current all-aluminum wing, the 777X wing is expected to be made from composites, the same high-tech plastic that makes up most of Boeing’s 787.

The Source

  • This story was reported with information obtained from a statement from Boeing and previous reporting from the Associated Press. This story was reported from Los Angeles.