Any eventual disposition of the jets will depend on whether Boeing chooses to execute change incorporation work. "But the fact is, that's commercial reality now," he said.
Substantial modifications remain required if Boeing hopes to find secondary customers.
"If they can, if they can get them out, that's good to somebody who might buy them," Clark said.
Emirates remains unwilling to absorb the modification costs or operational risks of the early airframes.
Boeing's immediate focus remains tied to securing regulatory clearance for its narrow-body programs before finalizing 777-9 deliveries. "We've already told them that," Clark said.
Certification efforts for other variants remain key hurdles for the manufacturer's immediate schedule.
"As soon as they've gone, their concentration is to get the [777-9] out the door," he said.
Extensive testing may ultimately yield a more reliable platform once the jet finally enters international airline service.
"[Boeing] honestly thinks, and we believe, that with all the work that's been done – the mods have been done, the latest mods on the engine – when it gets into the fleet, it'll be almost a mature aeroplane," Clark said.
The extensive testing phase makes the aircraft one of the most thoroughly evaluated designs prior to delivery.
"After all, it should be that, given that it's probably the most tested aircraft in history," he said.
The carrier will evaluate operational readiness as certification milestones progress. "So we'll see," Clark said.
Addressing wider operational milestones, Boeing Chief Executive Officer Kelly Ortberg emphasized that production stabilization across commercial lines remains underway.
