Boeing cleared to begin the next phase of 777-9 certification testing

?(Image from Boeing Website)Boeing has received approval from the FAA to begin the third phase of flight certification tests for its 777-9. Boeing stated with its third-quarter earnings that it has updated its assessment of the 777-9 certification timeline and now expects to start deliveries in 2027. The change has resulted in a pre-tax earnings charge of $4.9 billion. The aircraft was originally expected to enter service in 2020. The delay is a result of the high volume of documentation required for the testing program to begin each Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) testing phase, according to the Air Current. The TIA process has multiple phases designed to validate the aircraft's design and compliance with regulatory standards. Boeing reportedly has 5 test aircraft in the program to get the 777-9 certified as soon as possible, according to Air Data News. "We continue to work under the oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration to meet all certification requirements," a Boeing spokesman told Reuters. RELATED STORIES: Boeing releases third-quarter results along with updated 777-9 delivery timeline Virtual flight simulator and training author tool introduced by Boeing Boeing announces 747-8 VIP Turnkey Service for private travel There are currently 565 firm orders for the 777X family, which also includes the 777-8 and 777-8F variants. Of those orders, 27 are for the 777-9 from its launch customer, Lufthansa.