GE9X mid-seal fix delays 777-9 ETOPS approval, Boeing says

A problem with the mid-seal in GE Aerospace's GE9X engine is holding up Boeing's effort to secure extended-range approval for the 777-9, according to Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg.

The FAA has not signed off on Boeing's flight-test plan for the 777-9's extended-range twin-operations certification, Ortberg said during a Morgan Stanley investor conference on 16 September. Approval depends on the agency first receiving GE's certification plan for the redesigned mid-seal.

"Until we get the mid-seal certification plan complete, we can't get authorisation to start that ETOPS [flight testing]," he said, adding that Boeing expects the plan soon. The delay is likely to pose some difficulty for the company before the end of the year, he said.

Boeing has said the part was less durable than expected and GE has redesigned it. The issue was disclosed by Boeing in January.

Ortberg said the separate type certification programme continues to make progress, with Boeing working through the flight tests required under the 777-9's type inspection authorisation. He said the company still intends to deliver the first aircraft in 2027. ETOPS clearance is not required before deliveries begin, though Boeing would prefer to have it in place.