Boeing’s fifth 777-9, part of delayed 777X family, takes first flight

EVERETT — Boeing’s fifth 777-9 took its first flight from Paine Field on Tuesday, marking another step in the jet manufacturer’s journey to get its latest plane model out of the factory.

The 777-9, part of Boeing’s 777X family, has been delayed for years as the company worked to fix defects and faced heightened regulatory scrutiny after fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019. But Boeing executives now are optimistic that the plane will receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, with first delivery expected in 2026.

Once in the air, the 777X family will be more fuel-efficient than other widebody planes on the market, Boeing says, featuring the largest jet engines ever built and wings so long that the plane has foldable wingtips so it can fit into airports.

Boeing’s f