The latest version of Boeing jet flew for the first time on Friday, featuring more fuel efficient engines and redesigned wings
WASHINGTON – Boeing new 737 MAX aircraft completed its first test flight on Friday, conducting tests for about three hours before landing safely at Boeing Field in Seattle. The plane, which is the fourth version of the original 737, will help airlines lower operating costs and boost fuel efficiency.
With the first flight completed it will be prepared for the flight test campaign as I’s a first of four aircraft that will be used to test and certify the program with the Federal Aviation Administration.
The prototype took off for its inaugural flight with Boeing’s flight-operations vice president and chief test pilot, Craig Bomben, and Capt. Ed Wilson at the controls. Over the years, the 737 family has become the best-selling airliner in the history of commercial aviation, with more than 13,000 aircraft sold since 1965. It is arguably Boeing’s bread-and-butter model.
The 737 MAX features new engines from CFM International a joint venture of General Electric and Safran of France, and other refinements that improve fuel efficiency by 14 percent compared with the current generation 737.
Boeing surprised analysts on Wednesday when it said the company would slightly reduce output of current-generation 737s this year to allow the factory to build the 737 MAX. Boeing stock tumbled 8.9 percent that day, its biggest daily decline since October 2001, to close at $116.58 on the New York Stock Exchange.
Many analysts later said Boeing shares are likely to recover because the company’s outlook for cash flow remains strong, as does its commitment to share buybacks and dividends.
Boeing is expected to deliver its first 737 MAX to customers in 2017. Southwest Airlines is scheduled to be the first airline to add the 737 MAX to its fleet.
Boeing already has 3,072 orders for 737 MAX, making it the company’s all-time best seller.
“It is an emotional experience,” Keith Leverkuhn, a Boeing vice president and general manager of the 737 Max program, said after the plane was airborne.
“Someone said these things are like comet sightings. They don’t happen very often and when they do, it’s very, very special,” he added.
All of Boeing’s top local executives were there to watch the take-off and landing.