Boeing debuts first 737 MAX 7

Boeing marked an airplane development milestone as thousands of employees celebrated the debut of the first 737 MAX 7 at the company's Renton, Washington factory on Feb. 5, 2018.

The MAX 7 is the third and newest member of Boeing's 737 MAX family to come down the assembly line. The jet is designed for up to 172 passengers and a maximum range of 3,850nm, which is the longest range of the MAX airplane family.

Technology improvements allow the MAX 7 to fly 1,000nm farther and carry more passengers than its predecessor, the 737-700, while having 18% lower fuel costs per seat.

"For our airline customers serving airports at high altitudes or remote locations, the MAX 7 is the ideal complement to their fleet. We look forward to demonstrating the incredible flexibility and range of this airplane," said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager of the 737 MAX program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This is the third 737 MAX family member our team has successfully introduced in just three years. That's a phenomenal accomplishment and a testament to the dedication of the entire 737 team."

The first MAX 7 will now undergo system checks, fueling, and engine runs on the flight line in Renton. The airplane, the first of two MAX 7 flight test airplanes, will begin its flight testing program in the coming weeks.

The 737 MAX 7 is scheduled to enter service in 2019, following delivery to launch customer Southwest Airlines.

The MAX 8 entered service with customers across the globe in 2017, and the MAX 9 will start deliveries in the coming months. The MAX 10 was launched at the 2017 Paris Air Show and is scheduled to enter service in the 2020 timeframe.  

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 4,300 orders from 92 customers worldwide.