Boeing 737 MAX completes high altitude flight tests in Bolivia

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 has completed high altitude flight testing in La Paz, Bolivia. Boeing noted the flight test marked the first international trip for its re-engined narrowbody, which began flight testing in January. “The airport’s 4,050m altitude tested the MAX’s capability to take off and land at high altitudes, which can affect overall airplane performance,” Boeing said. 737 MAX program VP and GM Keith Leverkuhn said the aircraft’s CFM International LEAP-1B engines and “other systems performed well, as expected, under extreme conditions.” Boeing said three 737 MAX 8 flight test aircraft have completed more than 100 combined flights so far. A fourth and final flight test aircraft is expected to achieve first flight “in the coming weeks,” Boeing said, adding that “the program remains on track for first delivery [to Southwest Airlines] in the third quarter of 2017.”<br/>