The MAX 7 is the third and newest member of Boeing’s 737 MAX family. It is designed for up to 172 passengers and a maximum range of 3,850 nautical miles – the longest range so far for the MAX airplane family. The first delivery, to Southwest Airlines, is set for 2019.

The MAX 7 is the third member of the 737 family launched by the company in three years. It can fly 1,000 nautical miles farther and carry more passengers than its predecessor, the 737-700, while having 18% lower fuel costs per seat. The company claims it can carry 12 more passengers 400 nautical miles farther than its rival A319neo, on 7% lower operating costs per seat.

Keith Leverkuhn, VP and GM of the 737 MAX program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, commented, “For our airline customers serving airports at high altitudes or remote locations, the MAX 7 is the ideal complement to their fleet”.

The first of two MAX 7 test planes will undergo system checks, fuelling and engine runs on the flight line in Renton, Washington, in the coming weeks.

Opening new markets

The entire 737 MAX family is designed to offer lower per-seat costs and an extended range that will open up new destinations in the single-aisle market. The MAX 8 entered service with customers across the globe last year, and the MAX 9 will start deliveries in the coming months. The MAX 10 was launched at last year’s Paris Air Show and is scheduled to enter service in 2020.   

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing’s history, accumulating more than 4,300 orders from 92 customers worldwide.