LOS ANGELES—Boeing is preparing to perform a key landing gear retraction test on the first Boeing 777-9, WH001, following the attachment of the aircraft’s second General Electric GE9X engine at its temporary 777X low-rate initial production (LRIP) site in Everett, Wash.
Progress towards completion of the first 777-9 comes as the 777 family passes the 2,000-order milestone, representing an industry record for a widebody model. The barrier was passed in December when the company notched up 17 net orders for 777 aircraft from lessor BOC Aviation and two unidentified customers.
The 777X test, which will see the 251-ft. long airliner raised on jacks, will be one of the final large-scale major systems checks before the aircraft is rolled from the final assembly position to the paint shop. Although Boeing is not detailing the schedule, the first 777X is widely expected to be rolled out for the start of flight tests by the end of March.
The first GE9X was mounted on the WH001 before the end of December 2018. Another GE9X, the largest turbofan ever developed, is currently undergoing certification flight tests on GE’s 747-400 flying testbed at Victorville, Calif. This second phase of flight tests of the 105,000 lb. thrust engine began in early December and is expected to last through at least March. The 777X first flight is scheduled for 2019 with first delivery slated for 2020.
According to Boeing Commercial Airplanes marketing VP Randy Tinseth, the latest 777 family deals bring the program to 2,013 orders since its launch, including the 777X. “After clinching 40 net orders in 2017, the 777 won 51 net orders in 2018 and 209 orders over the past five years,” Tinseth said.
Boeing has so far announced 340 orders and commitments for the 777X from airlines including All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines.