Boeing asks FAA to waive emissions rule for 777 freighter

Widebody cargo jets have been in hot demand to handle the growth of shipments through online shopping and to offset disruptions to maritime shipping.

Boeing Co. asked the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily exempt its 777 freighter from an international rule on greenhouse gas emissions that takes effect at the end of 2027, citing a global shortage of widebody cargo jets.

In filing with the US regulator on Friday, Boeing asked for approval to make an additional 35 of its classic 777 freighter models starting in 2028 until a newer model is ready to enter the market. The jet’s engines don’t comply with the tougher standard set by International Civil Aviation Organization, an agency of the United Nations.

The company asked the agency to approve its petition by May 1, citing a capacity shortage that’s raising direct and indirect costs to consumers.

“This petition would allow Boeing to meet some of the anticipated customer demand to replace older, less fuel-efficient airplanes until the new 777-8 Freighter enters into service,” Boeing said in an emailed statement. The current version of the twin-engine cargo jet is the most fuel-efficient plane of its kind on the market, it said.

Widebody cargo jets have been in hot demand to handle the growth of shipments through online shopping and to offset disruptions to maritime shipping.

The shortages have been compounded by delays to the entry of the next generation of airborne freighters, Boeing’s 777-8 model and Airbus SE’s A350 and the recent grounding of MD-11 models after a horrific crash.