Boeing suspended Flight tests of its new model aircraft 777X wide-body aircraft after identifying a fault in a part that secures the engine to the body of the plane, the latest in a long series of problems for the ailing US aerospace giant.
“During scheduled maintenance, we identified a component that did not function properly,” the company told AFP in a statement.
“Our team is replacing the part and gathering any lessons learned about the component and will resume Flight testing when ready,” the statement added, confirming an earlier report by specialist website The Air Current.
Boeing has suffered in recent years from safety concerns and questions about the quality control of its aircraft, with a near-catastrophic incident at a Boeing 737 MAX of the company Alaska Airlines in January, when a blank door broke off the fuselage in mid-Flight.
Boeing’s new CEO, Robert Kelly Ortbergtook over earlier this month with a promise to restore confidence in the manufacturer hit by questions and announced that it would set up shop in the city of Seattle (northeast) to be close to the firm’s commercial aircraft manufacturing programs.
Boeing’s 777X widebody program, introduced in November 2013, is the latest addition to its popular 777 family.
The new twin-aisle aircraft is intended to be the world’s largest operating twin-engine aircraft. More than 500 777X aircraft have already been ordered, but have not yet entered service.
The part that caused the suspension of Flight tests is custom-made for the 777-9 model and connects the engine to the structure of the plane, Boeing said.
The other 777-9s used for preliminary testing are currently being inspected, he added.
The aircraft was originally scheduled to enter service in 2020, but due to problems during the certification process it has been delayed until 2025.