Airline mechanics and engineers got an early look at a Boeing 777X recently as part of the company’s efforts to prepare crews for maintaining the largest twin-engine passenger jet in the world.
Boeing invited over a dozen specialists from eight major airlines – including international carriers British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, and Lufthansa – to its maintenance demo hosted in Everett, Washington.
According to an article from Boeing, the event dubbed “Maintain Like an Airline” allowed airline mechanics to observe, ask questions, and offer suggestions ahead of the first expected 777-9X delivery in 2026.
The article stated that maintenance technicians were able to interact with the new aircraft’s folding wingtips and engines during the event.
On Wednesday, Boeing posted a video on X showcasing the event and speaking with mechanics about the experience.
Expertise + innovation! ?
At our “Maintain Like an Airline” event, @British_Airways, @Emirates, @Lufthansa mechanics and others saw up close how a 777-9 is maintained. This is one way we’re working with customers before the airplane joins their fleet.
➡️https://t.co/YPPquVjwke pic.twitter.com/BsIU60LZsA
— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) May 28, 2025
“This is fantastic for us because it’s actually getting to see the aircraft,” said John Stoner, a British Airways licensed aircraft engineer, in the release. “Having the [Boeing] mechanics here showing us the tasks alleviates so much of the anxiety of how the new aircraft’s going to fit in. This is more than I was expecting.”
Jim Freitas, senior director of Boeing customer support and services, said that events like this one help prepare the aircraft, customers, and the Boeing team for a smooth entry into service.
“We’re working together with our customers to get their input early, making improvements to the airplane and our procedures before it enters their fleets,” Freitas said in the release.
“We understand that trying to learn the airplane while it’s in service can be challenging, and time is very valuable for the airlines,” added Jose Santiago Rivera, Boeing’s 777-9X chief mechanic in customer support. “If we can do as much practice as we can before the airplane goes into service, it really helps our customers.”
German airline Lufthansa is expected to be the first carrier to receive a 777X delivery after the aircraft passes certification by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Boeing has recently developed a fix for cracks in the aircraft’s engine thrust links that temporarily suspended testing of the 777X during its initial certification last August.
