Boeing has delivered its new 737 MAX aircraft to Malaysian airline Malindo Air, marking the first delivery of the aircraft type.

The newly delivered 737 MAX 8 was built as part of Boeing’s fourth generation of 737 aircraft family development programme.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Kevin McAllister said: “This airplane will change the face of the single-aisle market.

“The 737 MAX 8 is the best in its class, providing unmatched performance and economics for our airline customers.”

Boeing further noted that its 737 MAX aircraft family is designed to offer improved flexibility, reliability and efficiency in the single-aisle market.

“This airplane will change the face of the single-aisle market."

The aircraft will be equipped with Boeing Sky Interior, which features LED lighting, modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, as well as larger pivoting overhead stowage bins.

Boeing has so far received around 3,700 orders for the 737 MAX family from 87 customers worldwide.

Malindo Air CEO Chandran Muthy said: “The Boeing 737NG fleet has served Malindo well in its growth and we believe that the 737 MAX will become the centrepiece of our fleet.

“These new aircraft will allow us to go to further destinations and will play a key role in providing lower air fares to our customers.”

The airline currently operates a mixed fleet of Boeing and ATR aircraft for both domestic and international routes.

Image: New Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplane in Malindo Air’s Batik Air Malaysia livery. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.