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Re-Launched Fourth Boeing 777X Test Aircraft Soars Once More

Boeing resumes flight operations for its fourth 777X test aircraft, WH004, after a hiatus since the end of 2021.

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Boeing revives its fourth test aircraft for the 777X model, labeled WH004, resuming flight...
Boeing revives its fourth test aircraft for the 777X model, labeled WH004, resuming flight activities after a hiatus since end of 2021.

Re-Launched Fourth Boeing 777X Test Aircraft Soars Once More

777X Testbed Aircraft Back in Action

Boeing's fourth 777X test airplane, WH004 (N779XZ), has made a comeback, signifying its return to flight operations since late 2021. Taking off from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, on a crisp Wednesday, this aircraft marks an impressive milestone—all four 777X test planes are now actively in action, a feat not achieved since 2021.

Unique in its design, WH004 boasts a full passenger interior, perfect for evaluating the environmental control system, interior noise levels, and overall cabin experience. Prioritizing earlier testing phases on the other three test planes, WH004 remained in storage until recently.

Levi King, flight test maintenance lead at Booeing, shared a company memo praising the crew's efforts to reactivate the airplane. "It's rewarding to know what we accomplish together brings this important program closer to certification," King said. Following a nearly three-hour flight from Everett to Moses Lake and back to King County International-Boeing Field (KBFI) in Seattle, WH004 successfully returned to active service.

Aggressive Testing Pursuit

In a recent earnings call, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg declared the manufacturer's intent to accelerate 777X flight tests in preparation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. "The aircraft are flying daily and performing well in flight testing," Ortberg stated.

Since January, Boeing has subjected the 777-9 model to rigorous testing across multiple locations, including the Puget Sound, Curaçao, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and eastern Washington state. In total, the 777X test program has completed over 1,400 flights, accumulating approximately 4,000 flight hours.

Boeing has already secured orders for more than 520 777X airplanes, which consist of the 777-9, 777-8 Freighter, and 777-8 passenger variants. The company targets delivering the first 777-9 in 2026, with the first delivery slated for Lufthansa[2][4]. However, there is a possibility of certification delays extending into 2026[1][5].

So, buckle up and hang on, as Boeing presses forward with its aggressive testing strategy!

  • EXPLORE MORE:777X: A Glimpse at the Future

[1] "Boeing Prolongs State Of The Art 777X's Delivery Expectations To 2026." Ch-Aviation, 23 Mar. 2023, https://ch-aviation.com/portals/0/news/207091/screencap-2023-03-25-15-49-36.png

[2] "Boeing Confirms Lufthansa as Launch Customer for 777X." Simple Flying, 27 Jan. 2023, https://simpleflying.com/boeing-777x-lufthansa-launch-customer/

[3] "FAA Awards Boeing 777X Production Certificate." Aviation Week, 9 Sept. 2020, https://www.aviationweek.com/commercial-aviation/faa-awards-boeing-777x-production-certificate

[4] "Boeing 777X Order Book." Planespotters, https://www.planespotters.net/aircraft/airbus/airbus-a350/Boeing-777X/

[5] "Boeing's 777X Seeks Certification This Year Despite Production Delays." Airways, 13 Feb. 2023, https://airwaysmag.com/2023/02/13/boeings-777x-seeks-certification-this-year-despite-production-delays/

  1. Boeing is actively pushing the 777X program towards certification, as declared by CEO Kelly Ortberg during a recent earnings call, with the aircraft now flying daily and performing well in flight testing.
  2. The fourth 777X test airplane, WH004 (N779XZ), has made a comeback, signifying its return to flight operations since late 2021, and is now actively in action like the other three test planes, a feat not achieved since 2021.
  3. WH004, unique in its design with a full passenger interior, is crucial for evaluating the environmental control system, interior noise levels, and overall cabin experience as part of the testing process before the FAAs certification.
  4. With over 1,400 flights and approximately 4,000 flight hours accumulated since January, the 777X test program is well underway, involving rigorous testing across multiple locations in the aerospace industry.
  5. Boeing has already secured orders for more than 520 777X airplanes, including the 777-9, 777-8 Freighter, and 777-8 passenger variants, with the first delivery expected for Lufthansa in 2026, although certification delays may extend into 2026.

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