Boeing CEO confident of 777F deliveries before 2027 cutoff deadline

In his first in-depth interview since taking the helm as president and CEO of Boeing in August 2024, Kelly Ortberg addressed concerns about the production timeline for the 777F freighter. Speaking to Aviation Week editors at Boeing’s 737 final assembly plant in Renton, Washington, Ortberg affirmed the company’s confidence in delivering the remaining backlog of metal-wing 777F freighters before the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) emissions rule deadline in 2027.

As of April 30, 2025, Boeing’s orders and deliveries data shows an unfulfilled backlog of 74 Boeing 777 freighters.

“We’re quite comfortable in being able to deliver the metal-wing freighters and meet the certification timeline,” Ortberg said. He added that the company’s freighter manufacturing flow is “going quite well,” reinforcing Boeing’s readiness to meet customer expectations as the clock ticks on the regulatory cutoff.

Boeing is also preparing for a shift in its freighter portfolio. Ortberg mentioned the upcoming Boeing 777-8 Freighter, which will feature composite wings and is slated to arrive by the end of 2028. This next-generation freighter will compete directly with the Airbus A350F. This new variant is expected to be part of Boeing’s broader strategy to comply with evolving environmental regulations while maintaining a competitive edge in the cargo market.

Ortberg’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for Boeing as the company works to stabilise operations and rebuild trust following several turbulent years. Speaking at the Bernstein 41st Annual Strategic Decisions Conference in New York on Thursday, 29 May 2025, he underscored the importance of cultural transformation and operational efficiency in navigating ongoing challenges, improving cash flow, and positioning Boeing for sustained growth amid a complex global trade environment.

The 777F, which remains a popular choice among global cargo carriers for its payload capacity and range, is facing a regulatory phase-out due to ICAO’s environmental compliance framework. The air cargo and aviation sectors will closely watch Boeing as it manages the final run of production and prepares the market for its next-generation freighter offerings in the months ahead.

For now, Ortberg’s assurance provides some relief to customers relying on timely deliveries of the 777F, even as the company steers through transformation and a changing regulatory landscape.

Ethiopian Cargo, the cargo division of Ethiopian Airlines, has received its twelfth and final Boeing 777 freighter. The aircraft, registered as ET-BAC , is the last 777F ordered by and delivered to the airline, completing its 777 freighter fleet.

Meanwhile, at transport logistic and Air Cargo Europe 2025 in Munich, John Perdoch, Director of Product Marketing for Freighters at Boeing, will join industry leaders on the ‘Future of Air Freight and Freighters’ panel. The session, organised by The STAT Trade Times, will take place on June 4, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 hrs at Forum Hall A1-236.