More problems for Boeing: Tests of problematic 777X suspended after structural problems discovered – Boston News, Weather, Sports

New York (CNN) — A new problem has arisen with the launch of the long-delayed 777X aircraft, forcing the company to halt testing and dealing another blow to Boeing's reputation for quality.

Boeing discovered problems with a structural component between the aircraft's engine and wings during a test flight. Boeing said in a statement that it had “identified a component that was not functioning as intended” and was replacing the part to “record any lessons learned from the component.” The Air Current was the first newspaper to report on the problems.

The 777X, which Boeing touts as the “world's largest and most efficient twin-engine aircraft,” was supposed to enter service in 2020. Boeing had expected to have delivered several hundred of these aircraft by then. But there were delays and cost overruns.

Another stumbling block could further delay the launch date, which has been postponed to 2025. Test flights of the four-aircraft fleet would resume “as soon as they are ready,” Boeing added.

The 777 has been a huge success for Boeing since it entered service in 1995 and remains its best-selling widebody aircraft. The 777X would give airlines another version of the aircraft to choose from, in addition to the popular but aging 777-300ER.

This is another setback for Boeing, which is already embroiled in a safety crisis after one of its door plugs burst in mid-air on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max flight earlier this year. Boeing said that due to a lack of documentation, the four screws that hold the door plug in place were never installed before the plane left the factory last year.

The problems with the 777X were just the latest in a series of safety and quality concerns on Boeing's production lines. These problems have become the focus of several federal investigations and whistleblower revelations and are the cause of delays in aircraft deliveries that have caused headaches for airlines and passengers around the world.

Last week, Boeing took a rare lead over Airbus in July orders for new planes. However, Boeing still lags far behind its rival in orders this year as safety concerns continue to damage the company's reputation.

Boeing has lost $33 billion since 2019 – a staggering figure that underscores how far the company has fallen since the days when its name was synonymous with American quality.

Boeing (BA) shares fell 2% in premarket trading on Tuesday. The stock has fallen nearly 30% for the year.

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