Boeing says it has developed a fix for a component problem that temporarily paused testing of its 777X last year.
The company said it is installing new, redesigned engine thrust links, which transfer thrust from the engine to the aircraft structure. Cracks in the original thrust links forced Boeing to suspend testing of the 777-9 in August 2024, as the aircraft was undergoing certification.
“We have finalized a solution to the 777-9 thrust link issue identified last year, based on months of rigorous testing and analysis by a team of Boeing experts,” the company said in a statement to FLYING. “We have already implemented changes in our flight test airplanes and will continue to inspect them to ensure continued safe operation. We will adopt further improvements for extended operations and production airplanes prior to first delivery.”
The cracks were caused by unintentional vibration of the thrust link, Boeing added. Engineers made adjustments to prevent the vibration, and additional changes will be implemented before deliveries that will “eliminate the possibility of a vibratory response.”
Aviation Week was first to report the news.
Years of Setbacks
Boeing resumed test flights of the 777X in January after a temporary fix was implemented in the testing fleet.
The 777X has been delayed numerous times since its introduction in 2013. A major setback came in 2020, when an “uncommanded pitch event” caused the aircraft’s nose to pitch up and down without input from the pilot. The incident put off certification for years as engineers worked to resolve the issue.
Boeing aims to complete certification for the 777X later this year or in early 2026 and start deliveries next year. Lufthansa will be the first airline to take delivery of the aircraft.
If the 777X does enter service in 2026, it will do so six years behind schedule.
