The first-ever production Boeing 777-9 has taken to the skies from Everett Paine Field (PAE), no doubt much to the delight of launch customer Lufthansa.
According to Flightradar24, the production Boeing 777-9 left Everett Paine Field shortly after 20:40 (UTC) on May 7, 2026, on a three-hour flight, reaching an altitude of 39,000 before returning to base.
Photos of the bare, green-colored Boeing 777-9, registered currently as BOE128, were captured by @mattcawby from the airport before takeoff.
It has been widely known for over a year that Lufthansa was to be Boeing’s 777-9 launch customer, with CEO Kelly Ortberg mentioned the German carrier during an earnings call on January 28, 2025.
At one point both Lufthansa and Dubai-based Emirates had been tipped to take delivery of the first Boeing 777-9, which forms part of the 777X program alongside the smaller 777-8.
WH128 Lufthansa 777-9 line 1781 N20080 first flight this afternoon. Departure audio: https://t.co/dL6b4SA7WH pic.twitter.com/xNJqrtdyMA
— Paine Airport (@mattcawby) May 7, 2026
Lufthansa placed an order for 20 777-9s, but delivery of the widebody jet has been delayed several years for a variety of reasons.
Their first aircraft is expected to arrive in 2027. Earlier this month, Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr said that the airline will continue to use A340-300s if there are further holdups.
In one of Boeing’s latest updates about the 777X certification process, the company announced on April 1, 2026, that it had conducted brake system tests.
Boeing has a production 777-9 in the air for the first time. This will be delivered to Lufthansa, which has 20 total 777-9 orders. https://t.co/d5f8ax65NS pic.twitter.com/AEo9NSC0oN
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) May 7, 2026
The 777-9 was loaded with its highest takeoff weight, and pilots accelerated to approximately 190 knots before aborting the takeoff and applying full braking.
“Maximum brake energy is one of the most highly choreographed tests that we do,” said Madison Strauss, 777-9 test director.
Boeing noted that the aircraft wheels were so hot that the fuse plugs melted – as designed, thereby safely releasing air from the tires.