Boeing’s long-delayed certification tests for its 777X aircraft have been halted once again due to a new issue, putting the company's reputation for quality in jeopardy, CNN reported on August 20 (local time). Boeing has revealed that during the test flights, a structural defect was found in the components securing the aircraft's wings and engines. In a statement, the company noted, “We have identified that one of the components did not perform as originally designed.” Boeing is currently replacing the faulty part and is “documenting any additional knowledge gained from the component.” CNN reported that the initial discovery of these issues was first covered by the U.S. aviation publication Air Current.

The 777X, which Boeing has marketed as “the world’s largest and most powerful and efficient twin-engine jet,” was originally scheduled to enter service in 2020. By now, hundreds of aircraft should have been delivered to customers, but delays and cost overruns have pushed back the launch repeatedly. The latest discovery of the component flaw is expected to be another significant hurdle, with the departure date now pushed to 2025, CNN added. Boeing stated that test flights, conducted with a fleet of four aircraft, will “resume as soon as they are ready.”

Boeing’s 777 model has been the most successful aircraft the company has released since 1995, and it remains the best-selling large passenger jet. The 777X, which was highly anticipated as Boeing’s latest version designed to replace the aging 777-300ER, was expected to continue this success. However, the recent discovery of a defect has further damaged Boeing’s already tarnished reputation, following previous safety issues with the 737 MAX and a recent incident earlier this year where a door fell off during flight. CNN reported that the door detachment occurred because Boeing failed to properly install four bolts in the door at its factory last year, raising doubts about the company’s workmanship and procedural standards.

The quality of Boeing’s assembly line work is now under scrutiny, and federal investigations have been initiated. This has caught the attention of airlines and passengers worldwide. Despite Boeing announcing in July that its orders had unusually surpassed those of its competitor Airbus, the company has consistently lagged behind Airbus in the competition this year, with the latest component issue further tarnishing its reputation, according to CNN. Since 2019, Boeing has recorded $33 billion in losses, causing a significant decline in the company's once-stellar reputation. As of July 31, orders for the 777X, including cancellations, total 540, with net orders standing at 481, according to Air Current. Boeing’s stock dropped 2% before the market opened on August 20, and it has fallen nearly 30% this year.

(The Dong-A Ilbo 2024.08.21)