777X first flight vs ME backlog risks — FAA/GE9X + Korean Air demand/Phase 4A/freighter share loss/A350 comps
Key Questions
What recent milestone did the Boeing 777-9 achieve?
The 777-9 completed extreme brake testing with billion ft-lbs at 2500°F. This supports certification progress.
What is the timeline for 777X first flight and production?
Production first flight is planned for April, de-risking 2026 deliveries. Phase 4A follows 3/17 testing, targeting 5/mo by 2027.
What orders has Korean Air placed for 777X variants?
Korean Air ordered 20 777-9s and 8 777-8Fs, contributing to 550+ total orders.
How resilient is Boeing's backlog amid freighter competition?
$682B backlog remains strong despite AerCap 777-300ERSF demand and Airbus A350F gaining share.
What competitive pressures does the 777X face?
KLM's A350 FAL replaces 777-200ERs, and Airbus leads in freighters. GE9X and FAA approvals aid 777X competitiveness.
777-9 brake success 2500°F Edwards AFB/Phase 4A post-3/17/prod first flight April de-risks 2026 delivs/2027 5/mo; GE 24% rev/76% orders $22.8B; Korean Air 20 777-9s/8 777-8Fs/550+ orders; 21 Air 777-300ERSF cert '26/AerCap; Airbus A350F/KLM but $682B resilient.