On December 22, 2025, it was reported that due to strong customer demand, US-based Boeing has applied to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an exemption on aircraft emission rules in order to resell 35 Boeing 777F freighter jets.
The new emission rules are set to take effect in 2028. Boeing stated that the next generation of 777-8F freighters, which meet these emission limit requirements, will not be ready until 2028.
Boeing mentioned that this exemption will enable them to meet the expected demand for freighters from customers before the 777-8F is put into service.
The company is seeking approval for the exemption by May 1, 2026. It was previously mentioned that the first 777-8F is expected to be delivered approximately two years after the first 777-9 delivery, with the target delivery date of 777-9 set for 2027.
FAA issued the final rule on February 20, 2024, adopting international standards to reduce carbon emissions of most large aircraft flying in US airspace. These rules are applicable to aircraft put into service after this date.
In 2024, the US Congress passed legislation granting Boeing a five-year exemption to continue producing its 767 freighters in the US until 2033, exempting them from the FAA efficiency rules taking effect in 2028.
Boeing emphasized the significance of large wide-body freighters for exporting goods, highlighting that “out of $600 billion worth of goods exported by air freight in 2024, over $260 billion was transported by large wide-body freighters.”
The report also indicated that each 777F aircraft exported to foreign customers contributes $440 million to trade surplus based on catalog prices; conversely, without the exemption, the US could potentially lose over $15 billion in export value.
Boeing pointed out that the 777F is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in the global cargo market and the only large wide-body freighter currently in production.
FAA stated last year that greenhouse gas emissions from civil aviation account for 9% of domestic transportation emissions in the US and 2% of total carbon emissions. According to a climate action plan by the Biden administration, the US aviation industry must achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
(This article referenced reports from Reuters)