Boeing faces yet another setback as it halts test flights of its new 777X model, which is already years behind schedule, after damage was discovered at the connection between the engine and wings. The aircraft manufacturer announced that a component had “not behaved as intended” during a scheduled inspection.
According to the industry website The Air Current, one of the connecting elements between the engine and wing broke on a 777-9 test aircraft after completing a five-hour flight from Hawai’i. Further inspections revealed cracks in the component on other 777-9 aircraft in the test fleet, according to sources familiar with the situation.
While Boeing did not confirm these specifics, it emphasised that no further test flights with other aircraft were planned in the near future. The affected component is only used in the 777-9 model, and the FAA has been informed.
Boeing first unveiled the 777X as the successor to the widely used 777 back in 2013, with the aircraft initially expected to enter service in 2020. However, this date has now been pushed back to 2025. The 777-9 is intended as a larger version of the aircraft, while Boeing also awaits approval for new variants of its 737 Max medium-haul jet.
The company is currently under significant pressure due to ongoing allegations of safety defects in its aircraft. A recent incident in January saw a cabin door cover detach from a 737 MAX 9 operated by Alaska Airlines during flight, leading to an emergency landing and raising further concerns.
