US low-cost carrier Allegiant Air took delivery of its much-anticipated first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft last week.
N811NV was delivered from the Boeing factory at Seattle’s Boeing Field to Allegiant’s base at Phoenix Mesa Gateway airport in Arizona on 9th September.
This marks a change for the airline which, prior to this, was operating an all-Airbus A320 family fleet on its wide-ranging route network.
The aircraft is the first in an order for 50 of the type by the airline, however the first delivery has been delayed a number of times. It was originally scheduled for entry into service in 2023.
Production delays at Boeing are thought to be responsible for this setback.
America’s First MAX 8-200
Allegiant Air’s large order for the Boeing 737 MAX comprises 26 of the high-density 8-200 variant, of which this first aircraft is on example.
This is the first time this variant has been delivered to a US carrier. To date it has been almost entirely operated by European low-cost carrier Ryanair.
The 8-200 can accommodate up to 200 passengers, despite featuring the same fuselage body as the MAX 8 variant. It can be identified thanks to the extra emergency doors which are required to handle the larger number of passengers.
Allegiant Air will operate a mix of the 8 and 8-200 types.
Where Will Allegiant Air Fly Its 737 MAX?
Allegiant Air is expecting four deliveries of the 737 MAX before the end of 2024.
The airline is initially planning to deploy the aircraft on routes out of Florida, with either Sanford, St Pete-Clearwater or Punta Gorda expected to become the initial base for the type.
At present, airline crew training will be taking place before the Allegiant Air 737 MAX enters service, likely in early November.
Eventually the type will become a common sight across Allegiant’s network. The airline is reportedly expecting to take delivery of one new 737 MAX aircraft per month in 2025.
Title Image: Annie Flodin
