Boeing 777-9 Simulators Gain Initial FAA and EASA Qualification

Boeing has secured initial qualification certificates for its Boeing 777-9 flight simulators from both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The approvals, announced on February 19, 2026, represent a critical milestone in the long-delayed 777X program, enabling the manufacturer and regulators to advance pilot training protocols ahead of the aircraft's targeted entry into service.

The qualification applies to the advanced Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) located at Boeing's Training Campus in Gatwick, United Kingdom. This early regulatory endorsement is crucial as it allows both the FAA and EASA to use the high-fidelity simulators to validate and approve the necessary pilot training courseware. For airlines, this means they can begin developing their own training programs and preparing flight crews well before the first aircraft delivery, which Boeing now targets for 2027.

Regulatory Milestone Achieved

The dual qualification from the world's leading aviation regulators is a significant step forward for the 777X. Initial qualification is a prerequisite for final certification, confirming that the simulator accurately replicates the aircraft's flight characteristics based on design data and initial flight test results. This fidelity is essential for developing standardized procedures and emergency training scenarios.

“Securing these approvals is an important step as we prepare for the start of flight training,” said Capt. Gary Mandy, 777X chief technical pilot for Boeing. “Pilots will benefit from an immersive training experience that will help ensure our customers' operational readiness for the 777-9.”

The simulators were developed in partnership with CAE Inc., a prominent Canadian manufacturer of simulation technologies. “This qualification is the result of a multi-year effort between CAE and Boeing's leading experts,” commented Alexandre Prevost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE. “We're excited to continue this strong collaboration as we deliver full-flight simulators to our mutual customers around the world.”

A Program Marked by Delays

The successful simulator qualification provides a measure of stability for a program that has faced significant schedule setbacks. The 777X program, which includes the 426-seat 777-9 variant, was officially launched in November 2013 with an original entry-into-service target of 2020. The aircraft's first flight occurred on January 25, 2020, but a combination of engine development issues and a more stringent post-737 MAX certification environment has pushed the delivery timeline back by seven years.

These delays have impacted fleet planning for major launch customers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa. By qualifying the training devices now, Boeing aims to de-risk the final phase of the aircraft's introduction. Early access to certified simulators allows airlines to build a pool of type-rated pilots, preventing crew shortages from causing further operational delays once deliveries commence.

Advanced Training for a New Generation Aircraft

The Boeing 777-9 features a new composite wing with folding wingtips, new GE9X engines, and an advanced flight deck designed for commonality with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The flight deck incorporates large touchscreen displays and optional dual head-up displays, technologies that necessitate robust, scenario-based training. High-fidelity FSTDs are the only practical means of safely and effectively training pilots on these new systems and their failure modes.

Achieving this regulatory milestone in parallel with the ongoing aircraft type certification flight test campaign is a key part of the modern aircraft development process. It reflects an industry-wide trend of integrating training and operational readiness activities much earlier in an aircraft's lifecycle to ensure a smoother entry into service.

What Comes Next

With initial qualification secured, Boeing and CAE will continue to refine the simulators as more flight test data becomes available from the 777-9 aircraft. The next steps involve achieving final, Level D certification for the Full Flight Simulators (FFS), the highest standard of realism. This will allow pilots to complete nearly all of their type rating training, including takeoffs and landings, in the simulator without flying the actual aircraft.

Simultaneously, the 777-9 aircraft continues its own rigorous FAA and EASA type certification process. The successful and timely completion of that process remains the final gate for the aircraft's delivery to its first customers, which is still projected for 2027.

Why This Matters

This dual regulatory approval provides a crucial vote of confidence in the 777X program's maturity and de-risks the operational timeline for launch customers. For an industry recovering from supply chain disruptions and certification delays, this move signals a strategic focus on proactive training readiness. It underscores the indispensable role of advanced simulation in safely introducing next-generation widebody aircraft.

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