Finally, after a long wait, Malaysia Airlines' first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft has left the Boeing factory in Seattle. The aircraft, registered as 9M-MVA, started its journey across the Pacific Ocean towards Kuala Lumpur on November 13.
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The Journey Begins
The plane departed from Boeing's Seattle facilities at 13:11. According to data by Flightradar24, the plane landed in Honolulu at 16:57 and was still there at the time of publishing. The aircraft is expected to make one or more technical stops before it eventually lands in Malaysia.
The Delayed Delivery
The delivery of the aircraft was delayed due to a manufacturing issue. The US aircraft manufacturer said that improperly drilled holes in the aft pressure bulkhead needed to be fixed, which affected the delivery schedule for various airlines. However, the plane has now finally left the Boeing factory.
The New MAX
Malaysia Airlines' 737 MAX will feature 162 economy seats and 12 business seats to accommodate 174 passengers. The airline has chosen Viasat’s Ka-band inflight connectivity service, which will also include the Viasat-3 APAC satellite after it is launched next year. This will allow customers to stream inflight entertainment onto their own devices.
Conclusion
The departure of Malaysia Airlines' first Boeing 737 MAX from the Boeing factory in Seattle marks a significant milestone for the airline. Despite the initial delay, the airline is now set to receive its long-awaited aircraft, which will enhance its services and provide a better experience for its passengers.
