Boeing has had a highly successful 2025, in which it outsold rival Airbus and greatly increased production volumes. In 2026, the legendary planemaker is facing new challenges ahead. The primary point of concern is a new engine durability concern with the Boeing 777-9, as reported by the Seattle Times. The 777-9 has recently had its first delivery pushed back to 2027, although the durability issue is not expected to lead to another delay.

Boeing is currently held up on certifying the 777-9, as well as the 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10. All of these programs have been delayed by years due to the holdup in the certification process, in large part due to changing requirements and increased scrutiny from the FAA. But despite the delays, Boeing has had little difficulty in selling these planes, as Boeing outsold Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018.

A New Setback With The Boeing 777-9

During a recent inspection, Boeing had identified a new durability issue with the 777-9’s General Electric GE9X engines. The company has yet to disclose the full extent of the problem, but is working with General Electric to resolve the problem. The 777-9 was initially meant to enter service in 2020, but the first delivery has now been pushed back to early 2027.

The latest issue with the GE9X is not expected to materially delay the 777-9’s first delivery in 2027, and the aircraft’s flight test campaign is unaffected so far. The company expects to quickly finish analyzing the issue and resolve it swiftly in cooperation with General Electric. While it still represents a setback, it’s one of the more minor challenges faced by the Boeing 777X program.

Boeing is currently focusing on certifying the Boeing 777-9 variant, the largest and most popular variant of the third 777 generation. Boeing has received over 500 orders for the 777-9, while the freighter variant of the 777-8 has been reasonably popular given its market segment. Meanwhile, the passenger 777-8’s development has been put on hold, in part due to a lack of demand.

Prior Issues With The Boeing 777X

The General Electric GE9X is the largest and most powerful jet engine ever produced (although its in-service power rating will be lower than the GE90-115B), and as such, the GE9X program has experienced some technical challenges. Compressor issues delayed the 777-9’s first flight from 2019 to 2020, while a technical issue with a GE9X engine caused the company to pause flight testing in 2022.

In 2024, the 777X test fleet was grounded after cracks were found in the aircraft’s thrust links, pausing the program’s flight test campaign until 2025. Boeing ended up pushing back the 777X’s first delivery to 2026, although some parties expressed skepticism about the new timeline. Most recently, Boeing pushed back the first delivery to 2027, although the newest issue isn’t expected to delay the program.

While the 777X as a whole is one of the most delayed aircraft projects in recent years, there are some bright spots. In November 2025, Boeing was cleared by the FAA to proceed to the next stage of certification. In addition, as Boeing begins sharing performance data with its customers, the feedback is reportedly positive, with the 777-9 meeting or exceeding expectations.

The Other Boeing Aircraft Awaiting Certification

In addition to the 777X, Boeing is also working on certifying the Boeing 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10. While the 737 MAX 7 is a smaller, unpopular aircraft that’s being made largely for Southwest Airlines, the 737 MAX 10 is gaining popularity due to its excellent projected per-seat economics and high capacity. The type is actively proceeding through certification, and Boeing is hoping to certify the 737 MAX 10 by the end of 2026, with first deliveries in 2027.

These three projects have faced significant delays, leading to cost overruns and dissatisfied customers who need to be compensated. However, Boeing continues to sell these popular jets, with 2025 being the 777X’s second-best year ever. The company is slowly nearing final certifications of its aircraft, and the company is as competitive as ever with Airbus, especially once its aircraft finally enter service.