Name: Boeing 737 MAX 8
Brand: Boeing

Airline Liveries

Southwest Airlines 273

Norwegian Air Shuttle 42

Singapore Airlines 12

Copa Airlines 6

The fourth generation of the 737 family featuring more efficient LEAP-1B engines and aerodynamic improvements. Designed to compete with the Airbus A320neo family with 20% better fuel efficiency than the 737NG.

Passengers

162-210

Range

4,082 mi

Cruise Speed

521 mph

First Flight

2016

Did You Know?

The MAX 8 has a 50% smaller noise footprint than the 737-800 thanks to its high-bypass ratio engines and unique chevron nacelle design.

History & Timeline

Key Milestones

2016

First Flight

The first 737 MAX 8 took to the skies on January 29, 2016, from Renton Field in Washington state, beginning an extensive flight test program.

2017

FAA Certification and First Delivery

The FAA certified the 737 MAX for flight in March 2017. The first delivery went to Malindo Air (owned by Lion Air of Indonesia) in May 2017, marking entry into commercial service.

2020

Return to Service

After 20 months of grounding, software fixes, and revised pilot training, the FAA cleared the 737 MAX to return to service in November 2020. By late 2021, most countries had lifted their grounding orders.

Development Story

Program Launch

The 737 MAX project was officially launched in 2011, with Boeing announcing that the aircraft would feature new CFM LEAP-1B engines, improved aerodynamics with split-tip winglets, and advanced avionics to compete with the Airbus A320neo family.

Legacy & Impact

Most Ordered Commercial Aircraft

Despite its troubled history, the 737 MAX remains one of the most ordered aircraft families ever, with thousands of orders from airlines worldwide seeking its 20% fuel efficiency improvement over the previous 737NG.