The Boeing 777X program is entering a new, symbolically important phase. The first flight of a customer-configured 777X aircraft, built for Lufthansa and expected to carry the registration D-ABTA, is now planned for April 2026. The aircraft, produced on line number 1677, is currently in the final stages of ground testing at Boeing’s Everett facility in Washington state.
The aircraft is undergoing fuel system checks, while engine tests are expected to follow shortly, representing one of the final steps before flight testing begins. While this milestone marks a significant moment for the program, it also once again highlights the long and complex development path of the 777X.
The 777X program was officially launched in 2013, but since then its timeline has been repeatedly pushed back due to a combination of certification requirements, design changes, and production challenges. Deliveries, once expected in 2026, are now projected to begin in early 2027. The financial impact of these delays has become increasingly evident, with Boeing recording an additional charge of USD 4.9 billion related to the 777X program in late 2025.
Overall, the program has accumulated approximately six years of delays and an estimated USD 15 billion in charges and write-offs to date, making it one of the most demanding and financially burdensome projects in the manufacturer’s history.
Despite these challenges, Lufthansa remains a key partner and the launch customer for the type. The German carrier has 27 firm orders, including 20 units of the passenger 777-9 and seven examples of the 777-8 freighter. Lufthansa’s aircraft will be the first series-built 777X to take to the air in full customer configuration, giving the event particular significance both for the airline and for Boeing.
If current plans hold, the first flight in spring 2026 could mark the beginning of the final stage toward certification and entry into commercial service for the 777X. However, given the program’s track record to date, the industry and customers alike continue to approach each new milestone with caution.
