Boeing took its latest 737 Max model out for its first spin Friday, logging a successful two-and-a-half-hour flight the the Max 10, a stretched-out version that can carry 230 passengers.
It’s the largest 737 model ever built, with length and wingspan just a couple of feet smaller than a 757. The model was originally expected to go into commercial service last year, but the 18-month grounding of other Max models and the spotlight on more rigorous testing and certification have pushed its intro into 2023.
In particular, the European Aviation Safety Agency is taking a hard look at the plane after the investigation into Max 8 crashes showed an overly-friendly relationship between Boeing and FAA. Among Europe’s required changes for this model are enhancements to crew alerting systems and a third angle of attack sensor.
Beyond the certification issues, the plane faces an uncertain marketing future, which will likely depend on heavily loyal 737 customers such as United, and may not be as successful as other models. The already-available A321neo, which has similar seating capacity and a somewhat longer range has sold well to many airlines, including some who might have otherwise gone Boeing if the plane had been available.
