FAA Grants Boeing Waiver to Sell 35 More 777F Freighters

The Federal Aviation Administration approved a waiver of airplane emissions rules on Thursday, permitting Boeing to sell 35 additional 777F freighters after January 1, 2028. This three-year extension bridges the production gap until the next-generation 777-8F freighter enters service, which is anticipated around 2029.

Boeing requested the exemption in December 2025, cautioning that a production halt could lead to more than $15 billion in lost United States exports. The FAA stated the decision provides flexibility amid uncertainty regarding the certification timeline of the 777-8F replacement.

While the waiver supports cargo carriers and U.S. trade balances, the FAA noted that these 35 aircraft could increase global freighter fuel burn by approximately 8% relative to 2024 operations. This regulatory action follows a 2024 Congressional decision that similarly exempted the 767 freighter through 2033.