Mauritania Airlines International has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8, becoming the first airline in Africa to operate the new and improved narrow-body airplane.

Powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, the aircraft took off from Boeing delivery centre in Seattle, United States Wednesday evening and touched down at the Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, Mauritania Thursday afternoon.

The aircraft dubbed "Awkar" with registration number 5T-CLJ, is configured with 160 seats including 16 in Business class and 144 in economy class.

Mauritania Airlines International serves more than 10 destinations in Africa and Europe from its base at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport in Mauritania's capital city of Nouakchott.

The Mauritanian flag-carrier operates a fleet which includes one Next-Generation 737-800, one Next Generation 737-700, two 737-500s and now the 737 MAX 8.

Boeing 737 MAX is the newest derivative of the popular Boeing 737. It features, among other things, advanced Technology winglets, the Boeing Sky Interior and large flight deck displays.