Aircraft
Boeing Starts Final Assembly of First 737 Max
Program on schedule for first delivery in third quarter of 2017
The first Boeing 737 Max 8 undergoes final assembly in Renton, Washington. (Photo: Boeing)
The first Boeing 737 Max 8 undergoes final assembly in Renton, Washington. (Photo: Boeing)

Boeing has started assembly of the first 737 Max 8 on schedule at its narrowbody plant in Renton, Washington, the company announced Tuesday. After the first fuselage arrived on August 21 from Spirit Aerosystems in Wichita, Kansas, mechanics began installing flight systems and insulation blankets. Crews next moved the fuselage to the wing-to-body join position on a new production line established in Renton. Mechanics then attached the wings to the body of the airplane.