United's Boeing 737 Max 9 makes its debut with flight from Houston

Houston Chronicle ^ | 6-7-2018 | Andrea Rumbaugh

[Snickering Hound]

United Airlines became the first North American carrier to operate the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft on Thursday morning, with its inaugural flight departing Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport for Orlando, Fla.

The new planes are more fuel efficient, with the ability to fly farther on less fuel, and provide a quieter ride. Having a longer range than previous 737 models allows United to operate the 737 Max 9 between Houston and Anchorage, Alaska, which previously needed a larger aircraft.

The Max 9 is scheduled to fly between Houston and Anchorage on Thursday. It's also scheduled to fly to Austin. United expects to have 10 of the 737 Max aircraft in its fleet by the end of this year.

"The Boeing 737 MAX is a great addition to United's fleet, providing approximately 14 percent fuel efficiency compared to previous 737 generations and an improved customer experience onboard," Rodney Cox, vice president of United's Houston operation, said in the news release.

"As we begin the busy summer travel season, Houston is happy to be home for United's first MAX aircraft, as we launch initial 737 MAX service from here, and later this month, add MAX service on flights from Houston to L.A., Sacramento and Tampa."

[TexasM1A]

I wonder how much smaller the seats are on this one compared to the 800.

[DoughtyOne]

The new planes are more fuel efficient, with the ability to fly farther on less fuel,...

So that's what that means... /s

[Snickering Hound]

I wonder how much smaller the seats are on this one compared to the 800.

Flying coach in a 737 from Houston to Anchorage...

[rstrahan]

Just don’t need to use the restroom Only 24” wide.

[1Old Pro]

and an improved customer experience onboard," Rodney Cox, vice president of United's Houston operation, said in the news release.

How's that?

[DoughtyOne]

Wow. How do they deal with oversized passengers?

Hold it,... hold it,... hold it,... caboom!

[DoodleDawg]

I wonder how much smaller the seats are on this one compared to the 800.

Same width. The Max9 is about 10 feet longer than the Max8.

[Jane Long]

Great news.

I hope they keep the same configuration as the 737-900...with front and back restrooms, in coach.

[lurk]

Recently took a ride in a 737-900. Approve.

[TexasM1A]

A small victory I suppose. But always good to see new inventory being bought.

[DoodleDawg]

A small victory I suppose.

Ten feet longer but up to 16 additional passengers, depending on configuration. Cattle car will continue.

[Political Junkie Too]

I'll be flying non-stop from IAH to Anchorage at the end of the month. Maybe I'll be on one of these. At least I'll be in Economy Plus.

-PJ

[Conservative4Life]

Its nice to see them invest in new aircraft since they ripped off their employees retirement when they filed bankruptcy in 2002. I lost mine when they did that and had to start over at age 45. Not so friendly.

[bkopto]

Now, now. These are “journalists”, remember. We have to cut’em slack....

[Alas Babylon!]

Hope y'all can see this:

[mad_as_he$$]

“...14 percent fuel efficiency...”

DAYM!!!!

[Alas Babylon!]

And another:

[Alas Babylon!]

Wow. How do they deal with oversized passengers?

+

[Joe Bfstplk]

I wonder how much smaller the seats are on this one compared to the 800.

<<>>

Look next for bicycle seats with a lap belt.