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The Podcast!
Subscribe to the only podcast devoted to helping people under the flight path everywhere. It’s definitely not just about noise!Most Recent: Ep #42 Data, Data Centers, and you (Raw!)
The Issues
The Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) is the blueprint for increasing flight capacity by one third in the next ten years. It will have the same community impact as the Third Runway. In fact, it is happening now. How this is possible, and what it means for us.continue...
Does your home have a Port Package of noise mitigation windows and insulation? Having problems with your windows? Mold? You're not alone. Help us help you.continue...
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The SAMP SEPA EIS Public Comment Period is open now from May 22 – August 20, 2026. Learn what is coming and what you can do to help reduce the noise, the pollution, and obtain the compensation we’ve deserved for decades.Top Story
Boeing allowed to keep making 777 freighter despite climate rules
September 21, 2026
Why this matters
Many people do not know how much control the FAA has over all environmental regulation concerning aviation--including aircraft emissions. This is the second ruling this year allowing Boeing to continue to sell aircraft beyond the allowed standard. Aircraft have very long life spans. Allowing outdated machines to be put into service means decades more unnecessary emissions for our communities.Seattle Times business reporter
The Federal Aviation Administration last week granted Boeing’s 777 freighter a few more years of production, waiving looming emissions requirements for up to 35 new aircraft.
Without that exemption, Boeing would have had to sunset production of the Everett-built 777 freighter in 2028 because the cargo plane would not meet emissions standards set to take effect that year. The emissions standards won’t affect already built and certified 777 freighters, but once in effect, the FAA will no longer certify newly built 777 cargo planes to take to the skies.
Boeing last year asked the regulator for an exemption, citing delays with its newest freighter meant to replace the 777, part of its long held up 777X family.
Boeing had originally hoped its first 777X passenger plane would enter service in 2020 but, after years of manufacturing concerns and regulatory hurdles, it now expects to make first delivery next year, with its cargo variant to follow later.
In its request for an exemption, Boeing argued that the 777 freighter is the only large, widebody cargo plane in production and without it or its replacement, the air cargo industry would be disrupted.
Boeing estimated more than $15 billion in U.S. exports could be lost without the exemption. The entire 777 program supports 100,000 U.S. jobs, Boeing said.
On Thursday, the FAA granted Boeing’s request and agreed to allow the manufacturer to produce up to 35 new 777 freighters from 2028 to 2031, while it works on certifying the plane’s replacement.
The exemption “preserves the economic and operational benefits” the 777 freighter affords to “Boeing, the aviation industry and the United States public,” the FAA wrote in its decision.
In its own analysis, the FAA found the 777 accounts for 4% of domestic freighter operations and cargo flights departing from the U.S. for international destinations.
In 2024, the 777 freighter accounted for 16% of the fuel burn of all freighters, the FAA said.
Introducing new 777 freighters will raise fuel burn, the FAA said, but, compared with all commercial aviation operations, those new planes would still represent a small percentage of fuel burn, the FAA concluded.
“In summary, the FAA agrees that the environmental impact … is de minimis and the benefit of producing these airplanes would be in the public interest,” the regulator wrote.
A Boeing spokesperson said the company welcomes the FAA’s decision.
“With the exemption, Boeing can meet some of the anticipated customer demand for newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes until the new (777X freighter) enters service,” the spokesperson said.
Boeing similarly received a reprieve from looming environmental standards for its smaller 767 in 2024, part of that year’s FAA reauthorization bill. Despite the exemption allowing 767 sales through 2033, Boeing still expects to end 767 freighter production next year.
The 777 exemption allows the FAA to certify new planes and Boeing to operate those aircraft in the U.S., but the planes will still need to adhere to international aviation standards, the FAA said. Boeing may need to seek approval from international aviation regulators, like the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, to operate 777 planes built after 2028 outside the U.S.
The FAA expects Boeing will produce up to two 777 freighters in its Everett factory per month.
Correction: Due to an editing error, a photo caption with an earlier version of this story misstated the 777 version pictured.
Lauren Rosenblatt: 206-464-2927 or lrosenblatt@seattletimes.com. Lauren Rosenblatt is a Seattle Times business reporter covering Boeing and the aerospace industry.Recent Stories
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VA Senators drop bill to cap operations at Reagan DCA
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Ep #42 Data, Data Centers, and you (Raw!)
An update to listeners affected by sound insulation issues. You are not forgotten despite our heavy focus on the SAMP (Sustainable Airport Master Plan) throughout the year. ### Sound Insulation as a Basic Right - Sound insulation as a **fundamental right**, not an afterthought - The Port of Seattle conducted a **new Part 150 Study** as part of the SAMP - That noise study has been used to **further expansion plans** - A significant portion of SAMP advocacy has been directed toward securing **relief for affected residents** ### Port Package Update Program - Slow Progress - The Port proposed a **Port Package update program in 2024** - The process has been **slow-walked** since then - Concerns raised about: - **Window-dressing** by involved parties - **Opposition from some affected city councils** (described as "beyond shameful") ### 📋 Legislative Action - What's Coming
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Upcoming Events
Highline Forum Agenda Theme: Part 150 Update and PortJobs Overview 2:30pm – Convene Meeting/Introductions Port Co-Chair, Commissioner Mohamed 2:35pm – Public Comments Audience The meeting will be held in person and virtually. Those wishing to provide public comment may: 1) Deliver public comment via email; 2) Deliver public comment via Microsoft Teams; or 3) Deliver
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From The Web
The boom in private aviation is also driving demand for additional infrastructure. Photograph: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images In recent years, but they do not pay commensurate portion of fees to FAA operations A new report has put a spotlight on the rapid expansion of private jet travel in the US, revealing that owners are not paying [...]
From The Library
As the source for federal transportation grants, the Puget Sound Regional Council was charged with developing a system to meet the growing need for commercial aviation. When the search for a second airport failed, they authorized the Port of Seattle to build the Third Runway, with a mandate to develop a noise abatement and mitigation program. In their effort to stop the Third Runway, the ACC argued over every detail of the Port's efforts--including property buyouts and sound insulation. The dispute was meant to be settled by a three member Expert Arbitration Panel. This is their final report. It finds 2-1, that the Port's program was insufficient in several respects. Despite that, funding for the Third Runway was approved by the PSRC, and the 'Port Package' program, proceeded largely unchanged. Expert Arbitration Panel's final decision finding that the Port of Seattle had not shown sufficient reduction in real on-the-ground noise impacts to satisfy noise reduction conditions required for approval of a third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. The majority decision concluded the Port's noise abatement programs were insufficient despite being impressive in scope.continue...
Under The Flight Path
Under The Flight Path: A Community History of Sea-Tac Airport. Help us complete the first comprehensive documentary of any major US airport; the impacts on the cities and the people.continue...
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