Many global airlines operate the Boeing 737 MAX, with major users including Southwest, Ryanair, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, alongside others like Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, and TUI, across its different variants (MAX 8, 9, 10) for short-to-medium haul travel worldwide.
United States
In 2022, Bonza became the first Australian airline to take delivery of a 737 MAX 8. Boeing Aerostructures Australia (BAA), at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne, is Australia's only designer and manufacturer of structural composite components for Boeing's commercial airplanes.
After a lengthy investigation into the crashes and changes to the design and software, the FAA, EASA and Civil Aviation Authority in the UK deemed Boeing 737 Max jets to be safe to re-enter service.
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have the most 737 MAX 9 airplanes in their fleet.
How to Avoid Flying a MAX Airplane
The most obvious tip for identifying a 737MAX, by far, is the new Advanced Technology (AT) winglet. The 737MAX was the first Boeing narrowbody family to be designed with winglets, and the new AT winglet is the most fuel efficient winglet ever installed on an aircraft.
While global aviation authorities have cleared the aircraft for service after software and training updates, some passengers still prefer to avoid flying on the 737 MAX due to lingering safety concerns or personal peace of mind. If you're one of those travelers, you're not alone—and the good news is, you have options.
On the Boeing 737 MAX 8, 12A and 12F are the ones to avoid. We also find this problem with easyJet. If you're flying on their Airbus A320, seat 31A is the one to avoid; 31F might also not have a window, depending on the layout. Unfortunately, you can also encounter this problem on long-haul flights.
Yes, Virgin Australia, now referred to as Virgin Australia, operates the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and is actively expanding its fleet of these modern, fuel-efficient jets for both domestic and short-haul international routes. They received their first 737 MAX 8 in June 2023, with more deliveries scheduled to support network growth and provide a more comfortable passenger experience.
Look forward to an improved, next-generation inflight experience on our Boeing 737-800s as we embark on cabin upgrades of 42 aircraft. Upgrades will include new Business and Economy seats with charging technology, refreshed interiors and larger overhead locker space for your carry-on baggage.
Hong Kong: The Civil Aviation Department banned the operation of all 737 MAX aircraft into, out of and over Hong Kong. Panama: The Civil Aviation Authority grounded its aircraft. Vietnam: The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam banned Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from flying over Vietnam.
The Boeing 737 MAX passenger airliner was grounded worldwide between March 2019 and December 2020 after 346 people died in two similar crashes in less than five months, and briefly in January 2024 following a dangerous in-flight incident.
Virgin Australia and fledgling budget startup Bonza currently operate the Max 8 aircraft, and are expecting to take delivery of more in coming months and years as airlines look to become more fuel-efficient for cost and environmental reasons. Bonza has six planes in its fleet, all of which are Max 8 aircraft.
According to 2024 data, Airbus has a slightly better safety record than Boeing. Boeing's crash rate is 1.7 times higher than Airbus, and recent issues with the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner have affected public trust. The Airbus A320 family also has a lower fatality rate compared to the Boeing 737.
All passengers and crew died when two 737 Max jetliners went down less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019 — a Lion Air flight that plunged into the sea off the coast of Indonesia and an Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed into a field after taking off from Addis Ababa.
On average, Boeing jets stay in service for 20–30 years. ✈️ 737s typically fly for 12–15 years with major airlines before moving to cargo or regional carriers — some lasting 25+ years with good care. 🌍 777s and 787s, built for long-haul endurance, average 20–25 years of service.
At first glance, they look similar, but here's what sets them apart: 🔹 Engines – The 737 MAX 8 has larger, more fuel- efficient LEAP-1B engines with serrated edges (chevrons), while the 737-800 uses smaller CFM56-7B engines.
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There's no definitive answer—it depends on the pilot's personality, training, and priorities. Some pilots may find Airbus's side-stick and automation more comfortable, while others may prefer the tactile control and familiarity of Boeing's yoke. Both designs represent decades of innovation and safety-first thinking.
As of February 2024, there have been a total of 529 aviation accidents and incidents involving all 737 aircraft (not all are notable enough for inclusion on this list), which have resulted in a total of 5,779 fatalities and 234 hull losses.
The 737 MAX has much larger, more fuel-efficient engines with a distinctive chevrons (saw-tooth) pattern on the nacelle. The 737 NG engines are noticeably smaller and have a smoother, circular exhaust.
Worst Seats on the 737-800 & MAX 8
The seats in row 13 do not recline due to the exit row behind them. However, it's not all terrible for passengers in these seats. The window seats in this row offer two windows (albeit misaligned) looking out over the aircraft's wings.
Changes to the 737 MAX
Global regulators and aviation organizations from around the world collaborated to allow the airplane to safely return to service.