Airframer seeks FAA exemption to sell 35 cargo jets past 2027 fuel-efficiency deadline as successor aircraft faces delays
Boeing is asking federal regulators for permission to continue selling its 777F cargo jet beyond a looming environmental deadline, acknowledging that its more fuel-efficient replacement will not be ready in time.
The Arlington, Virginia-based airframer submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Transportation on Dec. 19 seeking authorization to sell 35 additional 777F freighters after Dec. 31, 2027, when new Federal Aviation Administration fuel-efficiency standards take effect. Aircraft exceeding those limits will no longer be eligible for airworthiness certificates after that date.
Boeing acknowledges the 777F exceeds the regulatory fuel-efficiency threshold but says its planned successor — the 777-8F — will not be available before the deadline expires.
“Additional 777Fs are needed after [1 January 2028], to maintain an uninterrupted supply of large freighters to the market prior to the introduction of the 777-8F,” Boeing said in its filing.
The company is hoping to secure the exemption by early May 2026.
Boeing argues the request serves the public interest by preventing disruptions to air cargo operations that have become increasingly critical to global supply chains. The airframer notes that e-commerce growth and maritime shipping challenges have intensified demand for large widebody freighters.
“With the dramatic growth of e-commerce and challenges in the maritime sector, the global air cargo industry continues to experience a capacity shortage in large widebody freighters,” the company stated in its filing.
The twin-engine 777F, powered by GE Aerospace GE90 engines, remains the only high-capacity freighter in production. Boeing contends that maintaining continuity to the 777-8F is critical to the economic stability of the program and meeting customer demand.
The request comes as European rival Airbus develops its competing A350F freighter, targeting service entry in the second half of 2027 — around the same time Boeing’s current model would be barred from new sales under existing regulations.
Boeing also argues that denying the exemption could backfire environmentally. Without access to new 777Fs, the company claims operators would continue flying older, less efficient in-service models, potentially undermining the fuel-efficiency improvements the 2027 regulatory change aims to achieve.
The FAA has not yet indicated whether it will grant Boeing’s request. The agency’s decision could have significant implications for the air cargo industry, which has seen robust growth driven by online retail and global shipping demands.
Key Takeaways
- Boeing is seeking FAA authorization to sell 35 additional 777F cargo jets beyond the Dec. 31, 2027, fuel-efficiency deadline because its replacement aircraft will not be ready in time.
- The company argues the exemption is necessary to prevent disruptions to air cargo operations amid growing e-commerce demand and a shortage of large freighters.
- Airbus is developing a competing A350F freighter targeting late 2027 entry, creating competitive pressure as Boeing faces development delays.
- Boeing claims denying the request could force operators to keep older, less efficient aircraft flying longer, potentially worsening rather than improving environmental outcomes.
