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Boeing Responds After Suspending 777X Test Flights

The manufacturer notified the FAA about the discovery of the faulty thrust link, a custom component for the 777-9 and its engine.

Meg Godlewski
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Edited By: Kimberly Johnson
When Boeing's 777-9 enters service, it will be the world’s largest twin-engine airliner.
When Boeing's 777-9 enters service, it will be the world’s largest twin-engine airliner. [Courtesy Boeing]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Boeing has grounded its 777X test fleet after routine maintenance discovered faulty thrust links.
  • Cracks were found in the engine-to-airframe thrust links on all three 777X test aircraft.
  • Boeing is assessing the issue, has informed the FAA and customers, with deliveries for the uncertified aircraft currently slated for 2026.
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Boeing engineers are taking a closer look at the wings of the 777 after routine maintenance on the 777X—the aircraft used for test flying—found a faulty thrust link. 

The discovery was made over the weekend and the grounding of the test aircraft announced on Monday.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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