The 777X program reaches a symbolic milestone: Boeing plans the first flight of a “production” aircraft intended for commercial use, scheduled for April 2026. An important signal for a program that has accumulated delays and whose schedule remains closely watched by airlines, lessors, and the entire aeronautical chain.
According to reports, Boeing is currently in the fuel testing phase on a 777X ordered by Lufthansa, with engine tests scheduled for later in February. The plane, spotted on site, illustrates the gradual entry into a more concrete phase: the one that precedes certification and the start of deliveries. Caution is still necessary, as the delays have already had a major financial impact on the manufacturer, with significant charges recorded in recent quarters.
Despite this, long-term demand has not collapsed. The order book remains high, notably driven by large commitments in the Middle East. For the cargo sector and air logistics, the challenge is indirect but real: any new widebody program influences available capacity, fleet dynamics, and trade-offs between extending the lifespan of existing aircraft and renewal — in a market where the availability of aircraft and engines remains a source of tension.
