Boeing has scheduled the first flight of the 737 MAX for Jan. 29, though it cautions the date is subject to change.
The first re-engined Boeing narrowbody to take to the skies will be a 737 MAX 8, which is in the middle in terms of size of the three MAX variants the manufacturer will produce. Powered exclusively by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the MAX 8 is designed to seat about 162 passengers in a typical two-class configuration.
The first 737 MAX 8 rolled out of Boeing’s Renton, Washington factory in December.
“The first flight is always subject to change due to weather conditions and various other factors, so be advised that the date [Jan. 29] could slide,” Boeing said in an advisory to media.
The first 737 MAX flight is scheduled to take off from Renton and land at Boeing Field in Seattle. Boeing launched the 737 MAX program in 2011 to compete with the Airbus A320neo, which is entering service this month with Lufthansa.