Boeing has successfully tested its new 777x Jetliner on Saturday, the world’s largest twin-engine aircraft, according to media reports.
The Boeing 777x Jetliner took off from Everett in Washington and landed at Seattle’s Boeing Field. The journey was completed in four hours.
The test for the new Boeing 777x Jetliner was scheduled to take place earlier on Thursday, however, it was called off due to high winds.
The 777X is an updated version of the 777 and is the largest twin-engine jet ever built with a wingspan of more than 235 feet. It has a seating capacity of 406 passengers.
Reportedly, the new aircraft will begin operation in 2021, later than earlier predicted. The aircraft will directly compete with the Airbus A350-1000 which has a seating capacity of about 360 passengers.
The FAA has also ensured the 777x will be well inspected before they begin operations.
Craig Bomben who co-piloted the Boeing 777X Jetliner’s maiden flight told the media, “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has pledged to ensure the 777X review is conducted rigorously, while launch customer Emirates wants the plane to be put through hell on Earth.”
He added, “We are going to follow the normal processes we always follow and work with the FAA and they are going to work hand-in-hand with us.”
Last week, the FAA also revealed that they will unground the Boeing 737 Max earlier than expected.
The aircraft has been grounded since mid-March 2019 after two fatal crashes killed all 346 people on board. Since then, Boeing has cut production of the 737 MAX and it may stop or temporarily halt production depending on the FAA report.