737 MAX to begin flight test in the coming weeks

Boeing has debuted the first 737 MAX 7 at the company’s Renton, Wash. factory. 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 3,850 nautical miles, which is the longest range of the MAX airplane family. Technology improvements allow the MAX 7 to fly 1,000 nautical miles farther and carry more passengers than its predecessor, the 737-700, while having 18% lower fuel costs per seat. 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.