# Seventh 777-9 test jet makes its first flight and will mainly fly ETOPS certification tests

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/seventh-777-9-test-jet-makes-its-first-flight-and-will-mainly-fly-etops-9e89d799
Date: 29 Jul 2026
About: [Boeing](https://technooptimist.io/companies/boeing.md) · [Boeing 777X](https://technooptimist.io/aviation/777x.md)
Original source: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2026/07/30/boeing-777x-takes-off-for-final-certification-phase-ahead-of-2027-launch/

A seventh 777-9 flight-test aircraft flew for about three hours from Boeing Field in Seattle. Unlike the others, it will mainly support ETOPS testing, the approval airlines need to fly twin-engine jets far from diversion airports. The test fleet had passed 4,800 flight hours on more than 1,700 flights, about half of planned certification testing.

## Key facts

- About 3-hour first flight over Washington, Oregon and Idaho on July 29, 2026
- Test fleet: 4,800+ hours, 1,700+ flights; roughly half of certification testing done
- Remaining: final Type Inspection Authorizations and ETOPS demonstrations
- One airframe has passed a full simulated service life in fatigue testing

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