Boeing Gains FAA, EASA Approval for 777-9 Flight Simulators
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
Boeing has received initial FAA and EASA qualification for its 777-9 simulators, a key step in preparing pilots for the new widebody's entry into service.
Key Takeaways
- •Gains initial FAA and EASA approval for Boeing 777-9 full-flight simulators.
- •Enables airlines to begin formal pilot training ahead of the aircraft's projected 2027 service entry.
- •Represents a key certification milestone for the delayed 777X widebody program.
- •Approved simulators are located at Boeing's Gatwick training campus in the United Kingdom.
Boeing has achieved a significant milestone in its 777X program, receiving initial qualification for its Boeing 777-9 full-flight simulators from both the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). The joint approval, announced on February 19, 2026, allows the manufacturer and its airline customers to begin formal pilot training programs, a critical step toward the aircraft’s eventual entry into service.
The qualification applies to simulators located at Boeing's Training Campus in Gatwick, United Kingdom. This development is crucial for a program that has faced multiple delays, providing a tangible sign of progress in the complex aircraft certification process. With this approval, regulators can now use the high-fidelity simulators to validate training courseware, and airlines can start building operational readiness for the new widebody jetliner.
Regulatory and Training Implications
The simultaneous qualification by the two leading global aviation authorities underscores a synchronized regulatory approach, which is vital for global carriers that will operate the 777-9 under both jurisdictions. This initial simulator qualification is a key component of the broader aircraft type certification for the 777-9. While the aircraft itself is not yet certified, having approved training devices allows pilot familiarization and curriculum development to proceed in parallel.
"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."
Alexandre Prévost, President of Civil Aviation at simulator manufacturer CAE, added that the qualification is "the result of a decade of innovation, engineering excellence, and close collaboration with Boeing." High-fidelity simulators are essential for safely training flight crews on new aircraft types, allowing them to practice both normal and emergency procedures before the aircraft enters commercial service.
A Milestone for a Delayed Program
The 777X program, which includes the 777-9 variant, was launched in November 2013 with a first flight on January 25, 2020. However, its entry into service has been pushed back several times from an original 2020 target to a currently projected date in 2027. These delays have been attributed to heightened regulatory scrutiny and complex certification requirements following issues with other Boeing programs.
This simulator approval serves as a positive development for Boeing and its launch customers, including Lufthansa. The 777-9 is set to be the world's longest commercial jetliner, measuring over 251 feet (76.7 meters), and is designed to carry up to 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration. According to Boeing data, it has a projected range of approximately 7,285 nautical miles (13,500 kilometers).
The aircraft is part of a new generation of fuel-efficient, twin-engine widebodies intended to replace older four-engine models. It features the new GE9X engines, the largest turbofans ever built for a commercial aircraft, and innovative composite wings with folding wingtips to maintain compatibility with existing airport gates.
What Comes Next
With the initial simulator qualification secured, the focus shifts back to the aircraft's extensive flight test and certification campaign. Airlines will now work with Boeing to finalize their pilot training syllabi and begin scheduling crews for transition courses. The final type certification of the 777-9 aircraft by the FAA and EASA remains the ultimate hurdle before deliveries to customers like Lufthansa can begin, an event currently anticipated in 2027.
Why This Matters
For an industry that has been closely watching the 777X program, this news matters because it represents tangible, regulatory progress. After years of delays and revised timelines, the joint FAA and EASA approval is a firm, procedural step forward. In my view, this is less about the technology of the simulator and more about building confidence; it signals to anxious airline customers and the wider market that the complex infrastructure required to support the aircraft's entry into service is finally falling into place. It’s a small but critical victory on a very long road to the finish line.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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