Boeing has confirmed that Lufthansa will be the first airline to operate the highly anticipated Boeing 777-9 under the Boeing 777X program. The announcement brings clarity to years of speculation regarding the aircraft’s delivery, which has faced multiple delays due to ongoing certification and production issues.
Boeing Confident in Summer 2026 Delivery Despite Delays
During a recent earnings call, Boeing CEO Robert Kelly Ortberg reiterated that the company is on track to deliver the first 777X aircraft to Lufthansa by 2026, despite past setbacks. Ortberg acknowledged that challenges persist, especially related to seat certification, but expressed optimism in overcoming them.
“So, actually, the first 777X delivery is to Lufthansa,” Ortberg said during the call. He emphasized that although seating issues have been problematic, Boeing is aware of the requirements for Lufthansa’s deliveries and is actively working to resolve them.
Lufthansa initially expected to receive the 777X in early 2025. However, the German carrier has now revised its delivery expectations to summer 2026. Lufthansa, a launch customer for the 777X, has ordered 27 of the aircraft and remains eager to integrate them into its fleet.
Seating Certification Delays: A Key Challenge
One of the critical issues affecting the 777X’s delivery is the FAA certification of Lufthansa’s “Allegris” business-class seats. These seats have also caused delays in Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner deliveries. The 777X features a more complex interior design, which has made the seating certification process more challenging.
Boeing has included the seat certification as part of the larger aircraft certification program and remains confident that these hurdles will be cleared before the aircraft’s initial delivery.
Flight Testing Resumes After Thrust Link Issue
The Boeing 777X recently resumed flight testing after a five-month suspension caused by a thrust link failure. The issue, first detected during routine maintenance, was later discovered on two additional test aircraft, prompting a temporary halt in testing since September 2024.
Ortberg reassured investors that Boeing has identified and is addressing the problem. The recent resumption of flight testing is a positive step, but further delays remain possible if new technical issues arise. This uncertainty has fueled speculation about whether Boeing can meet the 2026 delivery target.
High Demand: Who Will Get the 777X Next?
Lufthansa’s position as the launch customer does not come without competition. Major airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways have also expressed strong interest in being among the first to receive the aircraft. Boeing currently has 481 unfilled orders for the 777X from 14 different customers, reflecting high demand despite the program’s challenges.
Boeing’s Financial Struggles: A $3.8 Billion Q4 Loss
The delays in the 777X program are only part of Boeing’s broader financial difficulties. The company reported a $3.8 billion loss in Q4 2024, largely due to a machinists’ strike and ongoing problems with multiple aircraft programs.
Boeing has faced significant challenges since the grounding of its 737 MAX following two fatal crashes in 2019. As of 2024, Boeing recorded a staggering $11.8 billion annual loss, the largest since 2020. The financial setbacks have been exacerbated by the nearly two-month-long strike in the fall of 2024, which halted production of the Boeing 737 MAX, 767, and 777 aircraft.
Adding to the company’s woes, the 737 MAX program experienced a safety incident in January 2024 when a door-plug panel detached during flight. This incident highlighted ongoing manufacturing and safety concerns, further complicating Boeing’s recovery efforts.
What’s Next for Boeing and the 777X Program?
Despite its challenges, Boeing remains committed to the success of the 777X program. With flight testing resuming and efforts underway to resolve seat certification issues, the company aims to stay on track for a 2026 delivery to Lufthansa. However, given Boeing’s history of delays and financial struggles, many industry experts remain cautious about whether the timeline will hold.
Lufthansa, for its part, has expressed confidence in Boeing’s ability to deliver. Jens Ritter, CEO of Lufthansa, believes that the 777X will play a crucial role in the airline’s future fleet expansion and operational efficiency. Other airlines are also closely watching the progress, as their own delivery schedules depend on Boeing meeting its commitments.
A Balancing Act Between Challenges and Demand
The Boeing 777X program remains a critical part of Boeing’s long-term strategy, but it is also a major source of financial and operational pressure. With high demand from airlines and ongoing efforts to address technical setbacks, the company is navigating a complex path toward its 2026 delivery goal. For Lufthansa and other customers, the successful entry of the 777X into service could offer enhanced passenger experience and improved operational performance—but only if Boeing can stay on course.