After being rumored to offer an even more stretched variant of the 737 MAX family, Boeing has finally confirmed that it might be able to deliver the MAX 10X in 2020 if there is an order placed for the longest MAX plane this year, Michael Teal, Boeing 737 MAX Chief Project Engineer and Deputy Program Manager, told Reuters.

Teal who is expecting to perform the first flight of 737 MAX 9 on April 13, 2017, has also mentioned that the design of MAX 10X would be firmed by the end of 2017. Accordingly, the customers could take the delivery of the new aircraft in 2020.

In September 2016, Teal stated that Boeing is also looking at various alternatives with different engines, including the CFM LEAP-1C used by China’s COMAC C919.

Reuters also reported that the US-based company had approached India’s LCC SpiceJet and Jet Airways as both airlines showed interest in the aircraft.

The 737 MAX 10X would help Boeing compete better with Airbus, whose A321neo plane is advantageous over 737 MAX 9 in terms of capacity and flight distance. The A321neo is configured with 240 seats, 20 seats more compared than the planned 737 MAX 9.

The latest member of MAX family, MAX 9, is scheduled for customer delivery in 2018 while the MAX 8 will be delivered in May this year.

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