Boeing Still Waiting on GE9X Seal Fix for 777X Certification

A routine shop visit inspection found a crack in the GE9X mid-seal on a 777X flight-test engine. That discovery put FAA approval for ETOPS — extended-range twin-engine operations — flight tests on hold and left final certification dependent on a redesigned part from GE Aerospace. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said this month that Boeing is still waiting on GE for the engine seal fix required for final certification. GE Aerospace CFO Rahul Ghai told a Morgan Stanley conference he was confident the mid-seal issue would not hold up 777X entry into service. GE began shipping engines with the redesigned mid-seal to Boeing in the third quarter and expects FAA certification of the part in the next few months. First delivery remains planned for 2027, roughly seven years later than first intended. The 777X has already drawn roughly $15 billion in Boeing charges, including a $4.9 billion pre-tax write-down in late 2025. Boeing's total debt sits near $160 billion against about $6 billion in equity. The program holds about 619 orders plus 148 options, none from a U.S. airline. Certification of the redesigned seal in the coming months will show whether the 2027 plan holds.