Boeing 777X test aircraft [Courtesy: AirlineGeeks/William Derrickson]
Key Takeaways:
Boeing has reactivated its fourth 777X testbed aircraft, WH004, marking its return to flight operations after being stored since late 2021.
This reactivation means all four 777X test airplanes are now concurrently active, a milestone accelerating the flight test program towards FAA certification.
WH004 is uniquely configured with a full passenger interior, enabling it to conduct specialized cabin-specific evaluations like environmental control and interior noise levels.
The 777X test program is intensely ramping up, having completed over 1,400 flights and nearly 4,000 flight hours, with the first 777-9 delivery targeted for 2026.
Boeing has reactivated its fourth 777X testbed aircraft, designated WH004, marking its return to flight operations for the first time since late 2021.
The aircraft took off from Paine Field (KPAE) in Everett, Washington, on Wednesday. Following this flight, all four 777X test airplanes are now concurrently active, a milestone not achieved since 2021.
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Ryan is Group President of Firecrown Media’s Aviation Group, overseeing a portfolio that includes FLYING, AirlineGeeks, AVweb, Plane + Pilot, KITPLANES, and AircraftForSale.com. He founded AirlineGeeks.com in February 2013 and has more than a decade of experience across aviation media, airport operations, airline workforce planning, and Part 135 regulatory compliance. His experience ranges from time behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing aviation industry executives. Ryan holds a B.S. in Air Transportation Management and an MBA from Arizona State University and is an adjunct instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
