Boeing has restarted 777X test flights after a five-month delay, resulting from the discovery of a problem with thrust links during maintenance checks. 

The thrust link issue was initially found on Boeing’s 777-9 test aircraft after a routine flight, but the issue was subsequently found on two other test planes. 

“During scheduled maintenance, we identified a component that did not perform as designed. Our team is replacing the part and capturing any learnings from the component and will resume flight testing when ready,” Boeing said in a statement on August 19, 2024.   

With the issue seemingly resolved, a Boeing 777-9, registered N779XY, took off from Seattle Boeing Field (BFI) on January 16, 2025, and performed a two-and-a-half-hour test flight. 

In a comment to Reuters following the flight, Boeing said: “We continue to execute a rigorous test program to demonstrate the safety, performance and reliability of the 777-9.”   

The five-month delay to 777X test flights was exacerbated by a seven-week strike by staff that was finally resolved at the end of last year. 

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