SEATTLE — Boeing said its fastest-selling plane in the company’s history, the 737 MAX 9, has received Federal Aviation Administration certification.
Boeing said the new MAX 9 is being prepped for its first delivery launching the Lion Air Group.
This comes after the FAA affirmed the plane's handling, systems and overall performance which complies with aviation regulations and the culmination of successful flight tests that began March of last year, the airplane manufacturer said.
"Our teams built superior capabilities into the MAX 9 and proved them all the way through flight test. We're looking forward to bringing this airplane to market for our valued customers," said Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager of the 737 MAX program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Scroll down to continue reading
More news from KIRO 7
- Freshman victim in Florida massacre moved from Western WA
- What knocked over 100 giant trees in Olympic National Park?
- Chance for lowland snow Sunday before coldest blast of winter
- Search for man presumed overboard off bulk carrier in Puget Sound
- Seen these Green Pigs? Here's why the stunt has Seattleites outraged
In comparison to the 737 MAX 8, the MAX 9 offers three additional rows of seats that can carry up to 220 passengers going a maximum of 3,550 nautical miles.
As far as value for customers, the 737 MAX planes are supposed to offer lower per-seat costs and an exceptional performance, Boeing said.
Earlier this month, Boeing unveiled its first 737 MAX 7 at its Renton plant.
The 737 MAX 7 is designed to carry 172 passengers. Boeing brags that it has improved range to reach higher altitudes and remote locations all over the world.
Cox Media Group