Bangladesh, Sept. 29 -- The first Boeing 777-9 of Emirates has rolled off the factory floor at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, and is heading to the paint shop, according to media reports.

The green, primer-coated aircraft was spotted this week. It marks a key milestone for both Boeing and the Dubai-based carrier, as the planemaker targets delivery of the long-delayed 777X by 2027.

The jet will receive several coats of paint over a few weeks. When it reappears, it will wear Emirates livery for the first time.

Emirates is the largest customer of the 777X, with 270 units on order. The airline plans to use the largest variant, the 777-9, as the long-term backbone of its operations at Dubai International Airport, replacing its aging B...