The 737 MAX represents the fourth generation of the Boeing 737, following on from the 737NG Series. It was developed in response to a decision by Airbus to improve and re-engine its A320 family. Key to the development of the 737 MAX was the more efficient CFM LEAP-1B engine, which promised improvements in fuel consumption and operating costs. The 737 MAX is offered in four variants and the first flight of the MAX Series involved a MAX 8 on 29 January 2016, and entered into service on 22 May 2017 with Malindo Air. By the end of 2018, 4,300 aircraft had been ordered by 95 airlines. However, two fatal incidents involving MAX 8 aircraft occurred in 2018 and 2019, leading to a worldwide grounding of all MAX aircraft from March 2019 to November 2020, and the cancellation of many orders. The main cause of the crashes was a malfunctioning automated flight control system called MCAS (Manoeuvring Characteristics Augmentation System). Four key design changes to the 737 MAX and airline training programmes were required to address the safety issues that resulted in the crashes, before the MAX was recertified and cleared to return to service on 18 November 2020. At this time, Boeing had a stockpile of over 450 aircraft, over half of which were delivered in 2021.
Nigel Richardson offers a concise fully illustrated account of the design, development, production and operation of the Boeing 737 MAX.