The Boeing 737 Max 9 completed its maiden flight earlier today.

Max 9 take-off

Boeing

The aircraft (registration N7379E) took off from the manufacturer’s Renton plant near Seattle at 10:42 local this morning (above), marking the official start of its flight-test programme. The 737 touched down after a 2h 42min flight at Boeing Field, Seattle (bottom image), where it will be based for the flight-test programme.

Max 9 in flight

Boeing

In the cockpit for the maiden flight were Boeing Test & Evaluation pilots Capt Christine Walsh and Capt Ed Wilson, who performed tests on the Max 9's flight controls.

The Max 9 is the second variant in the 737 Max family to fly, and is due to enter service in 2018. Larger than the recently certificated Max 8, the Max 9 can carry up to 220 passengers and has a range of 3,515nm (6,510km).

Max 9 land

Boeing

Source: Cirium Dashboard