Boeing Is Delaying Its 777X Jet, Report Says. Why That Would Be a Blow for the Stock.

Boeing is delaying the debut of its 777X jet, according to a Bloomberg report that cited people familiar with the matter. (JENNIFER BUCHANAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Key Points

• Boeing’s 777X jet launch is reportedly delayed to early 2027, impacting commercial flight schedules.
• The delay could financially affect Boeing, as significant work remains for FAA certification of the 777X.
• Boeing’s stock has risen 23% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500’s 14%.

Boeing is delaying the launch of its huge twin-aisle jet to early 2027, according to a report. That’s a worry for investors, who are sitting pretty at the moment after a solid recent run for shares.

The plane maker’s 777X jet is slated to fly commercially for the first time in 2027, rather than late next year, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. Officials at the German airline Deutsche Lufthansa are already planning for the delay, the report said.

Boeing declined to comment. Lufthansa didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from Barron’s.

Earnings could take a hit. Minor delays could have a significant financial impact, CEO Kelly Ortberg said at a Morgan Stanley conference last month, as he warned there was a “mountain of work” left to do to certify the 777X with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Boeing shares weren’t moving on the news, though. They closed up 1% on Thursday, and slipped 0.1% on Friday.

It’s been a solid year for the plane maker so far, with investors impressed by Ortberg’s efforts to improve quality and production. The stock is up 23% in 2025, compared with a 14% rise for the benchmark S&P 500.

Write to George Glover at george.glover@dowjones.com