The Boeing 737 MAX 8 Completes High Altitude Flight Testing in Bolivia

The Boeing 737 MAX flight test program has embarked on its first international flight, successfully completing the high altitude flight test campaign in La Paz, Bolivia.

On its way to the Latin American country, the second 737 MAX prototype (N8702L / MSN 36989 / LN 5668) stopped in Panama for a presentation to Copa Airlines. Last year, the Panamanian carrier placed a firm order for 61 737 MAX. The aircraft was also presented in Santiago de Chile to potential customers.

Keith Leverkuhn, 737 MAX program VP and GM assured that the CFM International LEAP-1B engines and “other systems performed well, as expected, under extreme conditions.” El Alto International Airport’s 13,300ft. (4,050m) altitude tested the takeoff and landing performance of the MAX at high altitudes, which may affect the overall performance of the airliner.

Boeing highlighted that the flight test campaign started in January counts now with three dedicated aircraft which have completed over 100 combined flights so far. A fourth—and last—flight test aircraft is expected to join the test fleet “in the coming weeks.” Boeing also noted that the program is on track for the first delivery to Southwest Airlines in the third quarter of 2017.