Boeing’s 737MAX-10 the latest and largest airplane in the 737 MAX family, has completed a successful first test flight.
Boeing introduced the 737MAX-10 to the world at the Paris airshow in 2017 and with a maximum capacity of 230 passengers, it is a larger capacity addition to any airlines that will be looking to up-gauge on their 737-9 MAX fleet. However, Boeing also sold its new aircraft as a competitor to the Airbus A321NEO. The aircraft offers competitive economics with reported 5% lower trip costs vs competitors but with a listed range of 3300 Nautical miles will come up short against the A321LR and A321XLR
The aircraft also incorporates environmental improvements, cutting carbon emissions by 14 percent and reducing noise by 50 percent compared to today’s Next-Generation 737s.
According to a press release from Boeing, The airplane took off from Renton Field in Renton, Washington, at 10:07 a.m. and landed at 12:38 p.m. at Boeing Field in Seattle.
“The airplane performed beautifully,” said 737 Chief Pilot Capt. Jennifer Henderson.
“The profile we flew allowed us to test the airplane’s systems, flight controls and handling qualities, all of which checked out exactly as we expected.”
Deliveries are expected to start in 2023, however Boeing will have to go through a tougher certification process after the MAX crisis and hope that the travel industry rebounds sooner than later from the its current slowdown
“The 737-10 is an important part of our customers’ fleet plans, giving them more capacity, greater fuel efficiency and the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle airplane,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
“Our team is committed to delivering an airplane with the highest quality and reliability.”
Photo: Seattle Times via @ DW
