This article is based on an official press release from Boeing.

Boeing 777-9 Simulators Secure Critical Regulatory Approval from FAA and EASA

In a significant step forward for the delayed 777X program, Boeing announced on February 19, 2026, that it has received “Initial Qualification” for its 777-9 pilot training devices. Both the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have granted approval for the simulators located at the company’s training campus in Gatwick, United Kingdom.

This regulatory milestone allows Boeing to proceed with validating the training courseware, the syllabus and manuals, that will eventually be used to train airline pilots. According to the manufacturer, this step is a prerequisite for the aircraft’s entry into service, ensuring that a qualified pool of pilots will be ready once the jet receives its final type certification.

Validating the Hardware Before the Pilots

The “Initial Qualification” designation applies to the hardware and software of the training devices rather than the pilot training program itself. By securing this approval, Boeing has demonstrated to regulators that the simulators accurately replicate the performance and flight characteristics of the 777-9.

The approved devices at the Gatwick campus include a Full-Flight Simulator (FFS) and a Flight Training Device (FTD). The FFS provides a high-fidelity, motion-based environment that mimics the physical sensations of flight, while the FTD serves as a fixed-base trainer for systems and procedural learning.

Capt. Gary Mandy, Boeing’s 777X Chief Technical Pilot, emphasized the importance of this validation in the company’s official statement:

“Securing these approvals is an important step as we prepare for the start of flight training. Pilots will benefit from an immersive training experience that will help ensure our customers’ operational readiness for the 777-9.”

Collaboration with CAE

The simulators were manufactured by CAE, a global leader in aviation training technology. The devices feature specific controls unique to the 777X family, including mechanisms for the aircraft’s folding wingtips, a design necessity allowing the massive jet to fit at standard airport gates, as well as large-format touchscreen displays and dual Head-Up Displays (HUD).

Alexandre Prevost, President of Civil Aviation at CAE, noted in the press release that the qualification represents the culmination of a “multi-year effort” between the two companies.

Program Context and Timeline

This announcement comes as Boeing works to stabilize the timeline for the 777X, which is currently targeted for entry into service in 2027. The program has faced significant hurdles, including delays related to the GE9X engines and, more recently, structural component issues that paused flight testing in 2024 and 2025.

By securing simulator approval now, Boeing is engaging in parallel processing. While the physical aircraft completes its rigorous certification campaign, the training infrastructure is being finalized simultaneously. Once regulators validate the courseware using these approved devices, customer pilot training can officially commence.

Chris Broom, Vice President of Commercial Training Solutions at Boeing Global Services, stated:

“The qualification of these training devices underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality training solutions that meet the needs of global airline customers and regulators.”

AirPro News analysis

The approval of these simulators is more than a bureaucratic checkbox; it is a signal that the regulatory logjam surrounding the 777X is beginning to clear. Following the intense scrutiny of the 737 MAX certification, regulators like the FAA and EASA have adopted far stricter standards for validating human factors and training protocols. The fact that both agencies have signed off on the hardware suggests that Boeing’s data regarding the aircraft’s flight laws and handling characteristics is maturing to a level regulators trust.

Furthermore, the decision to house these initial devices in Gatwick, UK, rather than solely in the United States, highlights the global nature of the 777X order book. With major customers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa eagerly awaiting delivery, having a validated training hub in the European/Atlantic region positions Boeing to accelerate pilot readiness for its largest international buyers as the 2027 delivery target approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean airlines can start training pilots today?
No. “Initial Qualification” validates the simulator hardware. Regulators must now use these devices to fly and approve the training syllabus (courseware). Only after the courseware is approved can airline pilots begin their type rating training.

Where are these simulators located?
The approved devices are located at Boeing’s training campus in Gatwick, United Kingdom.

When is the 777-9 expected to enter service?
Based on current industry targets and Boeing’s projections, the aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2027.

Sources

• Boeing Press Release (Feb 19, 2026)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)