Boeing has suspended load testing for its 777X aircraft after a cargo door exploded outwards during a high-pressure ground stress test – marking another set back for the release date of the aircraft.
This latest incident will force postponement of the first flight to 2020.
Boeing has already delayed the 777-9’s planned entry into service once. The decision made back in August, followed GE Aviation finding what was reported to be “unexpected wear” in a part for its new engine, the GE9X.
These delays, along with the substantial resources needed to get the 737 Max back into service, now means that Boeing will focus on finishing the larger version of the 777X, the 777-9.
In a statement, Boeing spokesman Paul Bergman said: “During final load testing on the 777X static test airplane, the team encountered an issue that required suspension of the test.”
The twin-aisle wide-body aircraft will have two models, the 777-8 which can carry 384 passengers in a two-class configuration, and the 777-9 which can carry 426 passengers in a two-class configuration.
