Boeing today rolled out the first example of its new 737 Max 9 narrowbody airliner at its factory in Renton, Washington. The aircraft is now beginning system checks, fueling and engine runs as the airframer prepares for a first flight anticipated in April.

The Max 9, which can carry 220 passengers on flights of up to 3,515 nm, is due to enter service in 2018. Deliveries of its smaller sibling, the Max 8, are due to start in this year's second quarter. Boeing also is working on a smaller Max 7 model and a higher capacity Max 200. Also under consideration is a possible Max 10 model, which may or may not form the basis for Boeing’s larger still Middle-Market Aircraft program.

“The 737 Max team continues to do a fantastic job getting us to these important milestones right on schedule,” said Keith Leverkuhn, the Max program’s vice president and general manager. “Our primary focus is delivering an aircraft that has the legendary reliability our 737 customers depend on, plus the optimized flexibility and range capability they desire.”

The Max 9 is powered by CFM International’s Leap 1B turbofans. Boeing claims it will deliver seat costs 8 percent lower than that of the rival Airbus A320neo.