Boeing 737 MAX 8

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 is the most popular member of Boeing’s second‑generation 737 MAX family, which was launched to replace the long‑running 737 Next‑Generation series. Development began in 2011 and the aircraft made its first flight on January 29, 2016, entering commercial service with Lion Air in May 2017. The MAX 8 incorporates the CFM International LEAP‑1B engine, which provides up to 15 percent better fuel efficiency than the previous CFM56 powerplants, and a redesigned winglet that reduces drag. Advanced avionics, a larger cockpit display system, and Boeing’s Sky Interior with LED lighting enhance passenger comfort and operational ergonomics. With a typical seating capacity of 162‑178 passengers and a range of roughly 3,550 nautical miles, the MAX 8 quickly became the backbone of short‑ and medium‑haul fleets worldwide. Despite a worldwide grounding in 2019 following two fatal accidents, extensive software revisions, enhanced pilot training, and structural updates have restored confidence, and the aircraft returned to service in late 2020. The 737 MAX 8’s blend of efficiency, commonality with earlier 737 models, and competitive operating costs continues to shape airline economics and underscores Boeing’s central role in modern commercial aviation.

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