Boeing receives redesigned GE9X engines for the 777X

GE Aerospace began shipping GE9X engines with a redesigned mid-seal to Boeing in the third quarter, according to comments made by GE Aerospace CFO Rahul Ghai at a Morgan Stanley conference and reported by Reuters on September 17, 2026. Ghai expressed confidence that a durability issue with the seal connecting the engine's front and rear sections will not delay the Boeing 777X's planned entry into service in 2027.

The engine maker expects FAA certification of the modified part within the next few months. Boeing can continue flight-test and certification work with the original seal, including approvals required before ETOPS testing, while GE pursues separate approval for the redesigned component in production aircraft. This parallel structure prevents a halt to the flight-test program while regulatory reviews proceed.

Schedule risks remain for the twin-engine jet. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg separately warned that regulatory work on the 777X could extend into 2027 due to engine-certification issues. The 777X program already runs roughly six years behind schedule and has generated more than $15 billion in charges for Boeing.

The GE9X is the exclusive engine for the 777X. GE holds an order book of more than 950 engines, with Emirates accounting for more than 540 units. While GE has not disclosed redesign and retrofit costs, keeping the 2027 timeline on track is critical to converting aircraft orders and capping further financial charges for Boeing.