Boeing's new 737 MAX plane takes its maiden flight
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Boeing 737 MAX airplane takes off on its first test flight, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, in Renton, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Boeing’s new 737 MAX aircraft completed its first test flight Friday.
The plane, which Boeing is touting as a way for airlines to lower operating costs and boost fuel efficiency, took off from Renton, Wash. at 12:46 p.m. ET.
Packed with test equipment, the 737 MAX landed a few miles away at Boeing Field in Seattle almost 3 hours later, according to Airline Reporter.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Related: Japan unveils stealth plane, may combine with next-gen jet
Boasting larger engines and improved aerodynamics compared to its predecessors, the single-aisle airplane will deliver 20 percent lower fuel use compared to the first Next-Generation 737s, which were launched in the 1990s.
And she's up! #737MAX is in the air for first flight. pic.twitter.com/kXaqf45Fjo
— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) January 29, 2016
The Seattle Times reports that the MAX comes in three sizes, seating 126 to 220 passengers.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 737 MAX is the fourth version of the original 737, according to Reuters, which says that Boeing is expected to deliver its first 737 MAX to customers in 2017.