Boeing to start deliveries of upgraded 787s in H1 2026
What's the story
Boeing has announced plans to start delivering its upgraded 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners in the first half of this year. The new models will have a higher maximum takeoff weight, allowing airlines to extend their flight range by an additional 643km or carry five to six tons more cargo. Darren Hulst, Boeing's Vice President of Commercial Marketing, confirmed that these aircraft are already in production and moving toward certification.
Upcoming models
Certification for Boeing 777X
Along with the 787 Dreamliners, Boeing is also working on getting its larger 777X model certified. Hulst said that they expect this process to be completed in the second half of this year. However, he added that it might not enter service until 2027. The difference between certification and entry into service largely depends on customers' delivery schedules and their respective processes before an aircraft can start commercial operations.
Timeline
First flight of 777X in April
To note, Reuters reported yesterday that the US aerospace giant is planning the first flight of a production-ready 777X in April. This is an important sign of progress for its much-delayed new plane.