Boeing 737 MAX

The Boeing 737 MAX represents the fourth generation of the Boeing 737, 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, which is offered in four variants, first entered service in May 2017. By the end of 2018, 4,300 aircraft had been ordered by ninety-five 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). 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.

Nigel Richardson offers a concise and fully illustrated account of the design, development and operation of the Boeing 737 MAX.