Boeing red-faced as 737MAX delivery stalls ahead of first order

Boeing today suffered embarrassment as it halted testing of its landmark new 737 MAX aircraft just days before delivery its first order.

The aircraft-maker temporarily halted test flights because of an issue with its engine.

Boeing was due to deliver the first 737 MAX plane to Malindo Air, a Malaysian carrier this week. It still plans to make deliveries to several airlines, including Norwegian Air, later this month.

The engine on this aircraft is jointly made by General Electric and Safran, a French company.

The fuel-efficient 737 MAX replaces the workhorse 737 single-aisle plane, Boeing’s best-selling product and its biggest source of profit. The 737 is used throughout Europe and particularly by budget airlines such as Ryanair.

A spokesman for GE Aviation said about 30 engines will be inspected at sites in the US and France.

Heathrow today said it would add another new route to China this summer. Beijing Capital Airlines will begin a new service to Qingdao in Shandong.

An Easter rush helped passengers numbers jump 11% on last year in April.