Industry Boeing 737-10 performs maiden flight

The largest aircraft in the 737 MAX family has successfully completed its maiden flight. The testbed 737-10 took off from Boeing´s Renton Field in Washington at 10:07 AM and laded nearly 2:30 hours later at 12:38 at Boeing Field in Seattle.

This first flight is a milestone for the 737 MAX program, as now the last member has finally seen the skies. The maiden flight also means, that Boeing will now start its comprehensive flight test program, which will check the aircraft in all situations mid-air.

These flights ensure, that all programs, software and safety features are working properly. Boeing is working closely with regulators in order to certify the aircraft as fast and as safe as possible. Once type certifications have been issued, Boeing will be able to deliver 737-10 aircraft to commercial customers.

Regarding the first flight, Capt. Jennifer Henderson, 737 Chief Pilot, commented: "The airplane performed beautifully […] 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."

Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added: "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 […] Our team is committed to delivering an airplane with the highest quality and reliability."

As largest member of the 737 MAX family, the 737-10 is capable of accommodating up to 230 passengers. Just like its family members, the aircraft is featuring latest avionics, aerodynamical advantages and more efficient engines that save up to 14 percent of emissions and are reducing noise by up to 50 percent when compared to its predecessors.

Today, nearly 500 737 MAX 10 aircraft have been ordered from customers around the world. The largest -10 variant operators will be United Airlines, VietJet Air, Lion Air and flydubai as of now. The 500 orders make the 737-10 Boeing´s second most popular MAX variant after the -8.

17 airlines have ordered the MAX 10 and Boeing seeks to perform these flight tests as fast as possible in order to commence deliveries in 2023.