Boeing’s latest version of the 737, the Max 9, is now FAA certified and will soon start deliveries, the company announced last week. The airplane adds three additional seat rows compared to the Max 8, for a total capacity of 220 passengers. CFM International LEAP-1B engines and Advanced Technology winglets enhance efficiency and reduce noise. The jet has a range of up to 3,550 nautical miles. Boeing says the 737 Max is the fastest-selling airplane in its history, with more than 4,300 orders from 93 customers worldwide. The first delivery of the Max 9 will go to Lion Air Group, based in Indonesia.
United Airlines said on Monday it will start to operate the Max 9 jets in June from its hubs in Houston and Los Angeles, including trips to Honolulu. United will take delivery of 10 of the Max 9 jets this year. The next variant, the Max 10, will begin assembly next year, with the first deliveries expected in 2020. The Max 7, which first rolled out of the hangar earlier this month, is not expected to enter service until next year.
