Boeing delivered its first 737 MAX 9 this week – to the Lion Air Group. The airplane will go into service with Thai Lion Air, where its added capacity will help the airline launch several international routes.

The Lion Air Group is the launch customer for the MAX 9. It was also the first operator to put the MAX 8 into service, and has announced a commitment for 50 MAX 10s. The Group also has an additional 200 737 MAXs on order and is one of the world’s largest operators of the 737.

“The 737 MAX 9 is a perfect fit for our growing business in Thailand,” said Capt. Darsito Hendro Seputro, CEO and Chairman of Thai Lion Air. “The 737 has been the backbone of our business since we began and we will use the added capacity the airplane provides to expand our network and start additional routes to Bangladesh, China and India.”

The 737 MAX 9 is designed for a capacity of up to 220 passengers and a maximum range of 3,550 nautical miles. It has three additional seat rows compared to the 737 MAX 8.

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