Boeing has begun long-delayed certification flight testing of its 777-9 with U.S. aviation regulators, the aircraft maker said in a statement.
The company said it made its first flight on Friday night after receiving the necessary authorization.
The news is a boost for Boeing, which has been grappling with legal and production issues since a panel burst in flight on a 737 MAX aircraft on January 5.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment outside office hours.
The 777-9 is part of the 777X project to upgrade the 777 widebody airplane. The project has been in development since 2013 but has faced multiple challenges, including certification delays. Inspection clearance is typically associated with the start of the certification process, which occurs after the FAA has reviewed technical data. This milestone allows FAA pilots to participate in the flight testing necessary to certify the airplane for regular operation.
Boeing has said the 777-9 test fleet will undergo the most extensive commercial flight testing ever conducted by the aircraft manufacturer.