General Electric (GE) Aerospace has marked a significant milestone with the shipment of the first production GE9X engine, designed to power the Boeing 777X.

This remarkable engine departed from GE Aerospace‘s testing facilities in Peebles, Ohio, as confirmed by an official statement from the company on X, formerly known as Twitter. Accompanying the announcement was an image depicting the massive engine securely fastened to a semi-truck.

“Powering the new 777-9, the GE9X is redefining the future of flight through industry-leading innovations. Congratulations to all the teams who have made this moment possible.”

The GE9X engine stands out as the largest and most powerful commercial aircraft engine ever constructed, boasting a world-record 134,300 pounds of thrust to propel the 777X. GE Aerospace has built upon the experience gained from the GE90 engine, which exclusively powered earlier 777 models, including the 777-200LR, 777-300ER, and 777F, and the GEnx, one of the engine options for the 787 aircraft families.

Overcoming Testing Challenges

The journey to this achievement has not been without hurdles. Both GE Aerospace and Boeing encountered challenges during the testing phase of the GE9X. In November 2022, a routine boroscope inspection revealed an issue with a GE9X engine used for flight tests, leading to a suspension of 777X flight testing. Consequently, the engine was sent back to Peebles for further evaluation, where subsequent test runs triggered a temperature alert, necessitating a temporary halt in testing.

Flight testing for the 777X resumed in late December, with the test aircraft, registered as N779XW, returning to the skies on December 17, 2022.

Commencing Certification Flights

On July 12, Boeing initiated official flight tests of the 777X, marking the beginning of the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) process by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to The Air Current, TIA is a critical step that authorizes conformity inspections and flight tests essential for aircraft certification.

The FAA‘s TIA form outlines that this process begins when the technical data examination for type certification reaches a stage where it appears the aircraft or component will comply with applicable regulations.

The impact of this certification process on the 777X’s entry into service (EIS) timeline remains uncertain. While Singapore Airlines has expressed optimism about receiving its first 777X by late 2025, other major airlines such as Emirates and Lufthansa have voiced skepticism, with Lufthansa’s CEO suggesting that deliveries in 2025 are unlikely.

This latest development in the GE9X and 777X program underscores the ongoing efforts and complexities involved in bringing advanced aerospace technologies from concept to reality, paving the way for the next generation of aviation innovation.