Boeing completes successful first flight of new model amid 737 Max woes

Boeing completed a successful first flight of its new model 777X jetliner Saturday amid the company’s woes with its still-grounded 737 Max planes, according to the company.

The company announced the accomplishment of the three hour and 51 minute test flight over Washington state in a press release, calling the aircraft the largest and most fuel efficient twin-engine commercial jet.

“Our Boeing team has taken the most successful twin-aisle jet of all time and made it even more efficient, more capable and more comfortable for all,” President and CEO of Boeing Stan Deal said. “Today’s safe first flight of the 777X is a tribute to the years of hard work and dedication from our teammates, our suppliers and our community partners in Washington state and across the globe.”

Boeing launched the months of testing with this flight after two attempts to previously test the plane had been delayed because of high winds, Reuters reported. 

The 777X planes, which include the 777-8 and the 777-9, use 10 percent less fuel and emissions and operate at 10 percent lower costs than competition, the press release says. These plans are scheduled to be available in 2021, and Boeing says 309 777Xs have already been purchased for $442 million, according to Reuters.

If the 777X is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it will be Boeing’s first certification since software flaws caused two fatal 737 Max crashes, prompting the U.S. to ground those planes. The FAA has said it will make sure the aircraft is tested carefully to ensure its safety.

Boeing has been immersed in controversy since the 737 Max crashes with those aircrafts being grounded since March 2019 and the company being fined $3.9 million for implementing faulty parts on 133 of its jets. The company recently announced the 737 Max will take to the skies again in mid-2020.