Boeing’s last 787-8 test aircraft ‘ZA004’ retires to the Arizona desert

Boeing’s last 787-8 Dreamliner test aircraft, ‘ZA004’, has retired to the Arizona desert, after performing more than 670 test flights over 16 years of service.

On February 11, 2026, the battle-hardened 787-8 Dreamliner, registered N7874, arrived at Marana Pinal Airport (MZJ), having departing Seattle Boeing Field (BFI) for the final time.

Fittingly, Captain Heather Ross and Captain Craig Bomben, who flew together on ZA004’s first flight, led the final flight crew to Arizona from Washington State.

Accompanying the pair were Captain Chris Caps, an engineering systems operator on ZA004’s first flight, plus Elmo Valdez, a flight analyst who has supported the 787-8 for many years.

Had a chance to see ZA004 off this morning from BFI on her final flight to retirement. This 787 has seen a thing or two. What a journey. pic.twitter.com/tcL4rZlLKH— Jon Ostrower (@jonostrower) February 12, 2026 “To the casual observer it looks like an old airplane, but it’s always been the future,” said Captain Heather Ross.

ZA004 entered Boeing’s flight test program on February 24, 2010, and flew more than 2,250 flight hours to help establish the performance, safety and maintenance standards that guide every 787 in operation today.

Among many milestones, the aircraft has supported certification of all Rolls‑Royce 787 engine variants, and performed the 787’s 1,000th flight. It also served as Boeing’s second ecoDemonstrator in 2014, testing more than 25 new technologies.

“Sixteen years of service with The Boeing Company – that’s a legacy few test airplanes achieve,” said John Murphy, 787 Program’s Chief Project Engineer. “Test airplanes, like ZA004, don’t just prove what’s possible. They make the future real by translating design concepts into everyday safety, efficiency and capability. ZA004’s legacy lives on in every 787 Dreamliner flying today and those yet to be delivered.”

The last 787-8 test airplane completes its mission. See the final flight of ZA004 – flown by the same crew that began its flight-test journey for the #Dreamliner program.16 years in-service 670+ test flights 2,250+ flight hoursMore: https://t.co/mr39RhuKws pic.twitter.com/zXBrcBfK30— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) February 12, 2026 Unfortunately, ZA004 had approached maintenance thresholds that were no longer cost-effective given the maturity of the test program and fleet.

At Pinal Airpark, where ZA004 arrived using its original ‘Boeing 004’ call sign, the aircraft will continue to contribute to learning and development relating to the 787.

Some parts will be used for training and research, while others will be distributed as replacements or spares through Boeing Global Services.

“This airplane embodies the reason why many of us joined Boeing,” Murphy said. “We’re here because we love airplanes and because we get to work on awe-inspiring innovations.”

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