Boeing Reports $5.4 Billion Loss as 777X Delay Extends to 2027

In a major setback for the aerospace giant, Boeing has announced a staggering $5.4 billion quarterly loss, primarily due to new delays in its flagship 777X program. The company confirmed that the first delivery of the long-anticipated jet will now be pushed to 2027, citing ongoing certification challenges with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

According to Boeing’s third-quarter earnings report released Wednesday, the company recorded a $4.9 billion accounting charge tied directly to the 777X delay, a move that sent shockwaves across the aviation industry and Wall Street alike. Despite the massive charge, Boeing’s revenue climbed nearly 30 percent to $23.3 billion, driven by a surge in commercial jet deliveries.

Boeing’s Commercial Airplanes division delivered 160 aircraft during the quarter, the highest since 2018, reflecting stronger demand recovery from airlines worldwide. The company’s backlog also grew to an impressive $636 billion, representing more than 5,900 planes on order. However, the new 777X setback overshadowed those gains, adding to a long list of delays and cost overruns that have plagued the project since its 2013 announcement.

The 777X, the latest evolution of Boeing’s best-selling long-haul 777 family, was initially slated to enter service in 2020. The company now says certification issues and slower FAA approvals are to blame for the latest postponement. Boeing insists there are no major new technical faults with the aircraft, but regulatory requirements continue to extend the testing timeline.

“While we are disappointed in the 777X schedule delay, the airplane continues to perform well in flight testing,” said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg. “We remain focused on completing development and stabilizing our operations across all programs.”

The cumulative cost of the 777X program has now climbed to roughly $15 billion, making it one of Boeing’s most expensive development efforts in history. Industry analysts warn that continued delays could strain Boeing’s relationships with key airline customers and further erode its competitive position against Airbus, whose A350 series dominates the wide-body market.

Still, Boeing reported positive free cash flow of $238 million for the quarter, a modest but encouraging sign amid turbulence. The company also received regulatory clearance to increase 737 MAX production from 38 to 42 jets per month, a move expected to help offset 777X-related losses in coming quarters.

The implications of the delay extend beyond Boeing’s financials. Airlines relying on the 777X for expanded long-haul routes may need to restructure fleet plans or seek interim solutions. Boeing’s supply chain partners, already stretched thin, could face additional disruptions due to the new timeline.

For Boeing, the path forward hinges on its ability to meet the new 2027 target without further setbacks and rebuild confidence among investors, regulators, and customers. While the 777X remains a technological marvel featuring new GE9X engines and foldable wingtips, the cost of its delay is proving equally monumental.

As Ortberg reiterated, Boeing’s focus now turns to “executing flawlessly” on the 777X and sustaining production momentum across its other programs. But with billions already written off and global demand shifting fast, the company’s next few quarters will determine whether this delay marks a temporary stumble or a longer-term crisis in Boeing’s recovery story.

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