The 737 MAX 7 completed a successful first flight over Mt. Rainier in Washington. Photo courtesy of Boeing
The newest member of Boeing’s most popular family of jets spent its first flight soaring over the snowcaps of the Cascade Mountains. The successful debut sortie of the 737 Max 7 means it remains on schedule for 2019 delivery following testing and certification.
The airplane’s three-hour tour of Washington tested its flight controls, systems and handling qualities at the hands of Boeing Test and Evaluation Captains Jim Webb and Keith Otsuka, according to the company.
The 737 MAX 7 has a maximum capacity of 172 passengers and a range of 3,850 nautical miles, the longest of any MAX family airplane. It is It is especially designed for high altitudes and hot climates. As with other, larger members of the 737 MAX family, it incorporates the CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets, and large flight deck displays.
This will be the third member of the 737 MAX family released after the MAX 8 and MAX 9, with the 737 MAX 10 anticipated to follow.