Boeing delivers first 737 MAX to Malindo Air of Malaysia

May 17, 2017 2 Comments 450 Views

US airframer Boeing, delivered the first new 737 MAX aircraft to launch customer Malindo Air of Malaysia. The 737 MAX 8 was delivered at Boeing’s Seattle Delivery Center in Washington state on May 16th. The airline will be the first to operate the 737 MAX in commercial service on May 22.

The MAX is the newest variant of the world’s best selling aircraft the 737. Boeing developed the MAX in response to the Airbus A320neo (new engine option). It features the Boeing Sky Interior, new LED cabin lighting, and larger overhead bins, along with new engine and other technology that extends the range and more importantly the fuel burn.

The delivery comes a day after Boeing resumed test flights powered by the single source CFM LEAP-1B engines. A potential quality issue with the low pressure turbine (LPT) disks from one of the two LPT suppliers had caused Boeing to suspend test flights. Regulators have cleared flights with engines from the unaffected LPT supplier.

First Boeing 737 MAX 8 delivered to Malindo Air. Boeing image.
First Boeing 737 MAX 8 delivered to Malindo Air. Boeing image.

Malindo Air a part of Indonesia’s Lion Air group is being renamed as Batik Air Malaysia which the livery reflects. The aircraft departed for Malaysia soon after delivery. The first commercial flight will be as OD803 departing Kuala Lumpur 10:30 to Singapore.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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