+VIDEO Boeing’s latest new airliner, the 737 MAX 9, has completed its first flight. The 737 MAX programme achieved the milestone on schedule.
“The MAX family of airplanes offers more value than any competitor and its strong market acceptance is reflected in over 3,700 airplanes on order from 86 customers around the world,” said Kevin McAllister, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO.
The aircraft completed a successful 2 hour, 42 minute flight, taking off from Renton Field in Renton, Washington, at 10:52am local time and landing at 1:34pm at Seattle’s Boeing Field.
Flown by Boeing Test & Evaluation Captains, Christine Walsh and Ed Wilson, the aircraft performed tests on flight controls, systems and handling qualities. The MAX 9 will now undergo comprehensive flight testing before customer deliveries begin in 2018.
The 737 MAX 9 is the second member of Boeing’s industry leading 737 MAX family, with a maximum capacity of 220 passengers and a range of 3,515 nautical miles.
The MAX 8 and 9 will be followed in 2019 by the smaller MAX 7 and higher capacity MAX 200, while studies and customer discussions continue on further growing the family.
The 737 MAX incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.
