New York, Feb 2, 2026, 20:44 EST — The market has closed.
- GE Aerospace is investigating a possible durability problem with the GE9X engine that powers Boeing’s postponed 777X.
- GE shares finished Monday up 0.6%; the engine-seal disclosure came after the close.
- The company also inked a research partnership in Singapore focused on next-generation aviation and aerospace technologies.
GE Aerospace disclosed Monday that it is looking into a possible durability problem with the GE9X engine used in Boeing’s postponed 777X jet, raising fresh technical concerns shortly after U.S. markets closed. (Reuters)
Timing is crucial. The 777X is already several years late, and even a minor fix risks ballooning into a costly certification snag, especially with flight-test schedules squeezed and airlines counting on new capacity.
GE shares ended the day up 0.63%, closing at $308.71. After-hours trading saw the stock inch up slightly, according to data from Yahoo Finance. (Yahoo Finance)
The problem traces back to a seal in the engine, according to Bloomberg News, which cited sources familiar with the situation. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg revealed the issue last week during the company’s quarterly earnings call, yet reaffirmed that 777X deliveries are still slated to start in 2027, Reuters reported.
Company officials warned it’s too soon to judge the scope of the problem. The seal might have to be redesigned and retrofitted during upcoming maintenance overhauls, the Bloomberg report said.
On Monday, GE Aerospace inked a memorandum of understanding—a non-binding framework—with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, the Singapore Economic Development Board, and the International Centre for Aviation Innovation. The goal: launch a Singapore-based research partnership named SPAARC. Rahul Ghai, GE Aerospace’s CFO, said the company is “proud to collaborate” on pushing technology forward, “while always putting safety first.” (Economic Development Board)
The workstreams cover artificial intelligence tools for maintenance and flight operations, airspace modernisation, and aerodynamic research linked to next-generation propulsion, the Singapore agencies said. Jermaine Loy, EDB’s managing director, noted the partnership would boost capabilities in “AI, air traffic management and aerodynamics,” according to the release.
The GE9X problem arrives amid ongoing complaints from the industry about tight parts availability, limited shop capacity, and a shortage of spare engines. Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association, told a forum in Singapore that supply-chain disruptions “continue to have a major impact.” Engine manufacturers are balancing the pressure of meeting demand for new aircraft production while also servicing existing fleets. (Reuters)
For GE, striking that balance is crucial since much of its jet-engine profit stems from the aftermarket—parts and servicing once an engine is sold. Durability issues can quickly affect shop visits, customer contracts, and turnaround times for aircraft getting back in the air.
The risk is clear: if the seal problem turns out tougher to fix than initial estimates, Boeing’s 777X flight-test and delivery schedule could face delays and higher costs. GE might also need to perform retrofit work during overhauls. But if the issue remains limited, traders could just write it off as a blip in an already supply-constrained market.
As trading remains halted, investors are set to focus on Tuesday’s open for any updates from GE and Boeing regarding the extent of the problem, and to see if regulators or clients demand actions beyond standard maintenance repairs.
The spotlight shifts to the Singapore Airshow, kicking off Feb. 3 and running until Feb. 8. Here, GE and leading airframe manufacturers usually field tough questions on production pace, engine dependability, and upcoming tech initiatives. (Singaporeairshow)
