The 2018 ecoDemonstrator airplane flies over Eastern Washington on its first Boeing check flight. Boeing delivered the 777 Freighter to FedEx Express on October 30, 2017 so the cargo carrier can use it through the holiday season. FedEx Express will return it to Boeing in January to begin a four-month test program as the ecoDemonstrator.

Use of the FedEx-owned 777 Freighter will mark the first time a 777 has served as the ecoDemonstrator flying test bed, with the program having used a 737, a 787, a 757 and an Embraer airplane in previous years.

Boeing and FedEx plan to work together to test more than 35 technologies on the airplane, including flight-deck enhancements, a compact thrust reverser and advanced materials.