Boeing’s new 737 MAX 8 airliner recently made its first flight from the manufacturer’s base in Seattle. The event marked the start of a nine-month flight test program that should lead to certification and eventual first deliveries to launch customer Southwest Airlines in the third quarter of 2017. The aircraft flew for 2 hours 47 minutes at a maximum altitude of 25,000 feet, and at a top speed of 250 knots.