GE Begins GE9X Engine Testing For Boeing 777X

General Electric has started ground testing the new GE9X engine that will power the Boeing 777X.

Testing of the engine is seen as a critical step towards development of the 777X aircraft family, an updated version of the 777 with up to 406 seats. It is due to enter service in 2020.

GE has orders for about 700 GE9X engines which, the company claims, is its most fuel-efficient engine on a per-pounds-of-thrust basis.

The company will begin certification and flight testing in 2017, with engine certification expected in 2018.