Safran and Boeing celebrated the first flight of the 737 MAX 8, the first member of Boeing's new single-aisle commercial jet family. The plane took to the skies from Renton Field near Boeing's 737 final assembly plant in Renton, Washington, near Seattle.

Safran is a major contributor to the 737 MAX, especially through the LEAP engine from CFM International (the 50/50 joint company of Snecma (Safran) and GE), which powers the entire 737 family, as well as the aircraft's wheels, carbon brakes and wiring systems.

“Safran is delighted to bolster our partnership with Boeing by contributing to the major 737 MAX program,” said Philippe Petitcolin, Chief Executive Officer of Safran. “The collaboration between our two companies, which started nearly forty years ago, is based on a real spirit of partnership, built up across a large number of programs. Boeing's choice of CFM engines and Safran equipment on the 737 MAX clearly illustrates the quality and performance of our products.”

The 737 MAX will deliver higher efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort, along with lower fuel consumption, largely due to CFM International's LEAP-1B engines.

The 737 MAX 8 is the first member of Boeing's new family to begin flight testing. The 737MAX will extend the 737NG's range to more than 3,500 nautical miles (6,510 kilometers), an increase of 340 to 570 nautical miles (629 to 1,055 kilometers). The 737 MAX family has recorded 3,072 orders to date from 62 customers worldwide.

The delivery of the first 737 MAX is scheduled for the third quarter of 2017.