The Boeing 737 MAX 9 has completed its first flight. The test flight which took place above Puget Sound, USA yesterday, kicked off a comprehensive flight-test program leading to certification and delivery.

The aircraft took off from Renton Field in Renton, Washington at 10:52 a.m. local time and landed at 1:34 p.m. local time at Seattle's Boeing Field after completing a successful 2 hour, 42-minute flight.

Piloted by Boeing Test & Evaluation Capts. Christine Walsh and Ed Wilson, the airplane performed tests on flight controls, systems and handling qualities. The MAX 9 will now undergo comprehensive flight testing before customer deliveries begin in 2018.

The 737 MAX 9 is the second member of Boeing's industry leading 737 MAX family, with a maximum capacity of 220 passengers and a range of 3,515 nautical miles.

The airplane incorporates the latest technology CFM International LEAP-1B engines, Advanced Technology winglets and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 3,700 orders to date from 86 customers worldwide.