737 MAX

Boeing has started production of its first single-aisle 737 MAX flight test aircraft at its facility in Renton, Washington, US.

The company is assembling the aircraft wings, with wing skin panels and stringers loaded into the panel assembly line.

Using automation, the assembly line will drill holes and install fasteners in the upper and lower wing panels.

Initial parts of the 737 MAX spars, including internal support structures, have been loaded into spar assembly machines, the company said.

Boeing Fabrication Skin and Spar operations in Auburn and Fredrickson, Washington, have produced the unfinished skins, stringers and spars, which will be made into complete wings.

Boeing 737 MAX programme vice-president and general manager Keith Leverkuhn said: "Achieving this milestone on schedule is a testament to the success of the 737 and our integrated design and build team."

"The Renton factory will continue to build 42 aircraft a month, and plans to increase production to 52 in 2018."

Renton Final Assembly facility will oversee installation of the wings on the first 737 MAX fuselage later this year using a new, central production line. The system will enable Boeing staff to isolate the first 737 MAX build in order to learn the process.

The aircraft maker said that the Renton factory will continue to build 42 aircraft a month, and plans to increase production to 52 in 2018.

Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines, the 737 MAX features advanced technology winglets and other improvements that will deliver a 20% fuel efficiency and 8% per seat in operating costs, compared with other single-aisle aircraft.

Boeing aims to start flights tests in 2016, with plans to deliver the first 737 MAX in 2017.

Image: Production of wing skin panels and stringers for the 737 MAX aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.