Maiden Flight. Photo: Boeing Boeing makes a significant stride in introducing its new flagship airplane into commercial service.
The fifth 777-9 aircraft, from the advanced 777X series, took off for the first time yesterday, Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from Paine Field in Everett, Washington.
The flight lasted 2 hours and 27 minutes, marking a major milestone in the certification tests of this innovative wide-body aircraft.
For the first time in nearly five years, Boeing completed the full construction of a new 777-9 aircraft and launched it into the air.
The impressive flight took off at 11:03 a.m. (local time), as veteran captains Ted Grady, chief test pilot of the 777X program, and Mark Brown, project pilot of the 777-9, led the aircraft to an altitude of 39,000 feet and a cruising speed of Mach 0.84 (511 knots), exactly as expected for a maiden flight.
“The 777-9 flew brilliantly, and this aircraft met all our expectations,” Grady said after landing. “Our teams worked hard to bring this aircraft to this moment, and we continue to focus on certification and first delivery to customers.”
Since it rolled off the production line last July, the aircraft underwent thorough preparations including refueling, engine runs, and taxi tests.
Michael Klenner, chief engineer of the project, coordinated the engineering efforts and preparations for the flight. He has been involved with the model since his internship at Boeing: “We see these aircraft like our children. There is a lot of pride here, and seeing this 777-9 take off is a peak moment.”
The flight was just the beginning of an extensive certification journey, with the WH286 being a fully configured production aircraft that will serve as a basis for testing electromagnetic interference resistance and lightning strikes.
So far, Boeing has amassed over 4,000 flight hours with the test fleet of the model, with the goal being: complete certification and first delivery of the 777-9 during 2026.
The 777X succeeds the successful 777, but with groundbreaking enhancements:
- Advanced composite folding wings
- Powerful, quiet, and efficient GE9X engines
- Spacious interior design and modern flight experience
Boeing's "new family" includes three models: 777-9, 777-8, and 777-8 Freighter for cargo.
Currently, there are over 550 orders for the 777X from customers worldwide, indicating the high demand for long-range, efficient, and advanced wide-body aircraft.
The successful takeoff of the WH286 signifies not only an engineering achievement but a renewed faith in the future of wide-body aviation, amidst a challenging period for the American manufacturer.
With deliveries expected as early as next year, the 777-9 could become one of the most influential models in the international aviation market over the next decade.