Boeing received approval from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to begin the 777X certification phase 3, according to a report by industry outlet The Air Current and covered by Reuters on 11 November 2025. The FAA nod, if confirmed in regulator notices, marks the largest single round of flight evaluations yet for the long-delayed 777-9 widebody jet and moves Boeing a step closer to its revised 2027 delivery target.
What Reuters reported and immediate confirmations
Reuters reported the Air Current account and quoted a Boeing spokeswoman saying the company “continues to work under the oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration to meet all certification requirements.” The FAA had not immediately replied to Reuters’ request for comment at the time of reporting. Multiple trade outlets echoed that the programme has entered an intensified testing phase.
Why the 777X certification phase 3 matters
Phase 3 of a Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) typically involves the most extensive set of flight tests and systems evaluations that can be credited toward final certification. For Boeing’s 777-9, clearing this phase signals regulators are satisfied with prior analysis and ready to permit a broader suite of trials, an essential step toward EASA/FAA type certification and the manufacturer’s planned first deliveries in 2027.
Immediate impacts:
- Reinforces Boeing’s path toward 2027 deliveries (company guidance).
- Could ease market concerns about long-term wide-body supply if sustained progress continues.
Timeline & fast facts
- 2013-2020: 777X launched and conducted first flight in 2020.
- 2023-2025: Programme faced repeated hold-ups in TIA approvals and production delays.
- Q3 2025: Boeing reported a large charge related to 777X delays (≈$4.9–$5.0B) and pushed first delivery to 2027.
- Nov 2025: Air Current reports FAA approved start of the third phase of certification trials; Reuters covered the report and sought comment from Boeing/FAA.
Regulatory context: how FAA oversight has changed certification practice (FAA Type Inspection Authorization)
After high-profile issues in the aftermath of the 737 MAX crisis, FAA certification practice has grown more structured and transparent, with Type Inspection Authorizations and Technical Advisory Boards becoming common for complex types. The FAA’s incremental approvals, granting TIA phases rather than blanket clearance, reflect a more cautious, stepwise approach to certifying modern widebodies. The 777X programme has proceeded under this heightened scrutiny.
Market and industry implications (Boeing 777X; widebody aircraft certification)
- Airline planning: Carriers that ordered 777X airframes (Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar, others) will monitor certification progress closely. Further slips risk schedule reshuffles and potential capacity reallocation to Airbus A350 family jets.
- Financials: Boeing has already recognised multibillion-dollar charges tied to 777X delays. Successful certification progress may reduce future provisioning risk and support aircraft resale/lessor confidence.
- Supply chain: A clear path to certification helps suppliers, service centres and airline maintenance planning, delays can ripple across global MRO and spares networks.
Expert caveats & what still needs confirmation
Industry analysts emphasise that the Air Current report is an important indicator but not the same as a formal FAA bulletin. Independent validation requires either:
- an FAA public notice or regulatory filing confirming the TIA phase approval; or
- additional statements from Boeing or confirmation by major customers/lessors.
What’s Next? Industry outlook
- Watch for an FAA public statement or filing confirming the TIA Phase 3 approval.
- Expect airlines and lessors to press Boeing for delivery schedules and compensation mechanics if timelines change.
- Monitor Boeing’s service entry metrics and early operational reliability after certification — these will determine broader market reception.
Sources
- Reuters coverage: “Boeing gets nod to start next phase of 777X certification trials,” Reuters, Nov 11, 2025.
- The Air Current: “Boeing gets FAA nod to begin next major phase of 777X certification trials,” Nov 10, 2025.
- FlightGlobal background reporting on TIA delays and certification pacing.
- FAA certification reform information and TIA context.
- Associated Press / industry summaries of Boeing Q3 charges and 2027 delivery guidance.
