GE Aerospace began shipping GE9X engines with a redesigned mid-seal to Boeing in Q3; FAA approval is still pending. CFO Rahul Ghai expects certification within months and said he does not expect the issue to delay the 777X’s planned 2027 entry into service.
GE said testing found the original seal, which connects the front and rear sections of the engine, was less durable than expected. The company identified the cause, completed and internally validated a redesign, and incorporated it into production engines. Boeing can continue current certification work with the original seal while GE seeks separate FAA approval for the redesigned part.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg separately said regulatory work on the 777X could extend into 2027 because of engine-certification issues. GE has not disclosed the redesign’s costs or detailed how it will address engines already fitted with the original seal.
