Boeing Profit at Stake as Rainmaker 737 Max Takes to Skies
- Jetliner makes maiden flight Friday before 2017 market debut
- Company attempts to cut into sales lead held by Airbus A320neo
Boeing Co. Max 737 's first flight in Redmond, Wash. on Jan. 29, 2016.
Photographer: Mike Kane/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Boeing Co.’s newest 737 jetliner gunned its engines and headed into rain-streaked skies Friday, with profit and pride riding on its wings.
The aerospace company’s fortunes depend on a smooth market debut for the 737 Max next year with initial customer Southwest Airlines Co. The maiden flight took place days ahead of schedule, a contrast to Boeing’s delay-plagued 787 Dreamliner.