Boeing 737 MAX 7 flies for the first time

Boeing's (Chicago, IL, US) new 737 MAX 7 successfully completed its first flight March 16 over Seattle, WA, US. The airplane remains on schedule and now begins a comprehensive flight test program leading to certification and delivery in 2019. The airplane completed a successful 3 hour, 5-minute flight and was put through tests on its flight controls, as well as checks of its systems and handling qualities.

"Everything we saw during today's flight shows that the MAX 7 is performing exactly as designed," says Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager of the 737 MAX program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "I know our airline customers are going to enjoy the capabilities this airplane will bring to their fleets."

The airplane is the third and newest member of Boeing's 737 MAX family to be produced, with a maximum capacity of 172 passengers. The MAX 7 has a range of 3,850 nautical miles, the longest of any MAX family airplane. It is designed for flying out of airports at high altitudes and hot climates.

"The MAX 7 will provide airlines an efficient product for opening and flying thinner markets and accessing challenging airports, while enjoying all the benefits of being part of the 737 MAX family," says Randy Tinseth, vice president of Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. 

The 737 MAX family incorporates the latest CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays and other features to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 4,300 orders from 93 customers worldwide.