Boeing Starts Construction of First 737 MAX in Renton, Washington  

Boeing employees have started construction of the first 737 MAX on schedule in Renton, Washington.

Keith Leverkuhn, vice president and general manager, 737 MAX, said: "Renton employees are the best in the world when it comes to building single-aisle airplanes and now this outstanding team is building the future with the first 737 MAX,” said.

"Achieving this landmark on schedule is a testament to the hard work, commitment and success of the 737 and our integrated design and build team."

737 MAX wing skin panels and stringers were loaded by machine operators into the new panel assembly line that automatically drills holes and installs fasteners in the upper and lower wing panels.

"It's thrilling to be starting something that you know will be a part of the future – a future that you will be building. I'm looking to future growth with the first 737 MAX," said David Dowell, 737 mechanic.

The new production line helps the team isolate the first 737 MAX from the rest of production, giving engineers the chance to optimize the build process. The Renton factory builds at a rate of 42 airplanes monthly.

The 737 MAX incorporates, among other improvements, Advanced Technology winglets and the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, to deliver the highest reliability, efficiency and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

Starting with 2017, the new single-aisle airplane will provide 20 per cent lower fuel use than the first Next-Generation 737s. The new aircraft will also offer the lowest operating cost in its class.

At present time, there are 2,720 orders from 57 customers for the 737 MAX.