Embattled Boeing grounds entire 777X test fleet after defect found in engine
20 August 2024, 15:48
Boeing has been forced to ground its entire 777X test fleet after engine component failures.
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The 777X, Boeing's latest aircraft, first took off in 2020, but has had delays in getting certified because of technical issues.
But the Federal Aviation Administration gave the 777X the go ahead for test flights ahead of starting passenger services later on.
But a flaw was discovered in a recent test flight to Hawaii. Later tests found the same problem in two other planes.
Boeing had planned to get the passenger service launched in 2025, but some believe it will not begin until mid-2026 after the latest setback.
Read more: Boeing chief executive and chairman to step down as firm faces safety crisis
The airline said: "During scheduled maintenance, we identified a component that did not perform as designed," Boeing said.
"Our team is replacing the part and capturing any learnings from the component and will resume flight testing when ready.
"We are keeping the FAA fully informed on the issue and have shared information with our customers."
Boeing has been beset by technical problems in recent years, with the CEO Dave Calhoun earlier in August as the firm fights to repair its reputation.
The company has faced intense scrutiny after a brand-new 737 Max 9 jet was forced into an emergency landing in January.
In 2018 and 2019, 346 people were killed when two of the company’s Max 8 jets crashed.
In January, a brand-new 737 Max 9 jet was forced into an emergency landing following a terrifying cabin panel blowout.
No-one was injured during the incident.
