Bloomberg reported on October 2, 2025 that Boeing’s long-awaited 777X widebody delivery is likely to be pushed back to early 2027, citing people familiar with the matter. Reuters picked up the story and added analyst commentary indicating that the delay could trigger a charge in Boeing’s third-quarter results estimated in the range of $1 billion to $4 billion. Neither Boeing nor the launch customer had publicly confirmed a new delivery date at the time of reporting.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg has previously acknowledged the programme is behind schedule and said certification requires a “mountain of work.” Industry analysts and trade outlets say the latest reporting reflects continued certification and testing challenges that have prolonged a program already delayed many years.
What the reports say
- Who: Boeing (airframe manufacturer); launch customer Deutsche Lufthansa AG; Bloomberg as the original reporter; Reuters and other outlets corroborating.
- What: Bloomberg reports the first customer deliveries for the 777X are now likely in early 2027 instead of 2026. Reuters noted analyst expectations that Boeing may book a third-quarter charge linked to the delay.
- Where & When: Reporting published 2 Oct 2025; discussions refer to certification activities in the U.S. and Boeing’s test operations.
- Why & How: Boeing continues to work through certification tasks and test-fleet issues (including work resumed after earlier groundings). CEO comments and FAA interactions suggest the program needs additional effort before a formal delivery can occur. Analyst commentary ties the new timing to certification complexity and schedule slippage.
(For the primary reporting, see the Reuters restatement of Bloomberg’s report.)
Market and operational implications
- Airline fleet planning: Launch customers such as Lufthansa will likely continue to adjust fleet plans and delivery schedules if the delay is confirmed, shifting capacity strategies or deferring retirements. Bloomberg reported Lufthansa was already preparing to exclude the 777X from near-term plans pending clarity. Airlines typically hedge by using existing widebodies or leasing in the short term.
- Financial impact: A multi-billion dollar charge would reduce Boeing’s near-term earnings and cash flow. Analysts have already trimmed free cash flow projections for 2026 in light of extended certification work. Exact accounting outcomes will depend on Boeing’s formal disclosures.
- Regulatory & certification process: The FAA and other regulators retain decisive roles in certifying the 777X. Boeing’s prior test-fleet pauses and component issues have increased scrutiny; regulators will require satisfactory resolution of test items before sign-off.
Timeline
- 2013: 777X program launched (original timelines set).
- 2024–2025: Test-fleet incidents (e.g., thrust link cracks) led to groundings and resumption of flight tests.
- Sept 2025: Boeing CEO publicly said certification was behind schedule.
- Oct 2, 2025: Bloomberg reports deliveries slipping to early 2027; Reuters and other outlets corroborate. Analysts model potential charges to Boeing’s Q3 results.
What’s Next? Industry outlook
- Watch for Boeing’s Q3 earnings and management commentary. That report will likely clarify any charges and provide management’s updated timeline.
- Monitor launch customer statements (e.g., Lufthansa). Official airline communications will show how operators will adjust fleet and capacity plans.
- Regulatory updates from FAA/EASA. Any additional FAA rulings or EASA statements about certification milestones will be decisive.
Sources
- Reuters, Deborah Mary Sophia & Dan Catchpole, “Boeing 777X to be delayed to 2027, Bloomberg News reports”, Oct 2, 2025.
- Bloomberg, Julie Johnsson / Siddharth Philip, Boeing 777X delay reporting (Oct 2, 2025).
- FlightGlobal, reporting on CEO comments and certification status.
- SimpleFlying, AeroTime, Barron’s and others, industry coverage and analysis repeating the Bloomberg/Reuters reporting.
