BOEING 737 MAX 10 TAKES 1ST FLIGHT IN U.S.

The newest version of Boeing's 737 MAX model commercial jet took to the skies of the US state of Washington on Friday in an attempt to improve the model's reputation, Deutsche Welle reported.

The 737 MAX 10's initial flight was about 2.5 hours long, taking off from Renton Municipal Airport, just south of Seattle, and landing at Boeing Field, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) away. The flight came after months of testing and safety certification, Agence France-Presse (AFP) also reported.

"The airplane performed beautifully. The profile we flew allowed us to test the airplane's systems, flight controls and handling qualities, all of which checked out exactly as we expected,” said Chief Pilot Jennifer Henderson in a statement.

American carrier United Airlines has put 100 Boeing 737 MAX 10 planes on order.

The new model is expected to enter service in 2023 after more safety tests and inspections.

Boeing's new airplane can carry up to 230 passengers and is longer than previous models of the 737 MAX. However, it has a lower flying range than earlier versions, only being able to travel about 3,300 nautical miles (3,800 miles, 6,100 kilometers), the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters added.

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