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The Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 are the current state-of-the-art narrowbody, single-aisle airliners offered by the legendary American planemaker. The two variants share many features as part of the latest generation in the iconic 737 family. Both models were designed to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than the legacy 737 Next Generation (NG). The 737 MAX 9 is the longer-range of the two, topping at 7,130 kilometers compared to the MAX 8's at 6,570 kilometers, per Flightradar24. They each incorporate higher-bypass, high-efficiency CFM International LEAP-1B turbofan engines, as well as new "split scimitar" winglets, and a modern "Boeing Sky Interior" cabin inspired by the 787 Dreamliner. The MAX 9 can seat about 10-15 more passengers, depending on the configuration, thanks to its fuselage being approximately 2.5 meters longer. Compared to the outgoing 737NG, the 737 MAX offers 20% lower fuel consumption and emissions, in addition to a 50% lower noise footprint. Furthermore, the Boeing 737 MAX series offers airframe maintenance costs that are up to 14% lower than those of its competitors. But enough about the specifications and engineering, let’s count down the five longest flight plans served by the global fleet of 737 MAX jets today. Thanks to route and schedule data from Cirium, we can break down exactly which itineraries are stretching the legs on the latest and greatest 737 model with the furthest nonstop flights. Helsinki To Amílcar Cabral 3,827 Miles On TUIfly Nordic’s MAX 8 Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID) serves the city of Sal in the small island nation of Cape Verde off the West Coast of Africa. The flight will take several hours from Helsinki Airport (HEL) in Finland. The Scandinavian low-cost carrier (LCC) TUIfly Nordic uses one of its five-year-old jets from its small fleet of three MAX 8s to serve the route. The new MAX 8s replaced legacy 737-800s in a fleet modernization that is still ongoing, as Planespotters.net data shows. The year-round warm weather in Cape Verde makes it a perfect escape for snowbirds from the wintry landscape of Finland. The nation is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands, with a remarkably picturesque and varied landscape from rugged ridgelines to sandy beaches. The country and its capital city of Praia are famed for their music and vibrant blend of African and Portuguese culture. Hiking, water sports, and simply soaking up the sun are all popular reasons why Finlanders climb aboard TUfly Nordic for the trek to Cape Verde. The islands of Sal, São Vicente, and Santiago also offer vibrant nightlife with live music, bars, clubs, and dancing. Helsinki To Rabil 3,864 Miles On TUIfly Nordic’s MAX 8 The next entry on this list is another Cape Verde destination from Helsinki, this time Rabil Airport, also called Aristides Pereira International Airport (BVC). SID is the island nation’s largest airport outside the city of Espargos on Sal Island. BVC is on the island of Boa Vista, a few kilometers from the city of Sal Rei. You’ll want to pack your own snacks and entertainment for the “no-frills” LCC experience on TUIfly Nordic for this long-haul journey across the equator. The snack and drink options vary by flight, and there is no seatback inflight entertainment (IFE), but there are USB chargers at every seat. Like LCCs, comfort and amenities are limited, but TUIfly Nordic has a strong reputation for friendly and helpful flight attendants (FAs). The dance and music culture of Cape Verde is popular with sun-seekers from Northern Europe, featuring unique genres like Morna, Funaná, and Coladeira. Seafood, such as tuna and lobster, are staples of cuisine on the islands, with popular dishes including Feijoadabean stew, Caldo de Peixe fish stew, and grilled chicken Frango Assado. Manas To Ürümqi Tianshan 4,475 Miles On China Southern’s MAX 8 China Southern connects the capital city of Kyrgyzstan to Xinjiang, China, via Ürümqi Tianshan International Airport (URC). Ürümqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), which is administered by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This route is the third-longest flight plan flown by the global fleet of 737 MAX jets, but probably one most will want to avoid. China Southern has a good reputation for friendly and helpful service both in the air and on the ground. However, the airport security throughout the PRC is enforced by security forces of the national government's authoritarian regime. The XUAR is to the far West of the PRC’s territories and is notorious for widespread military and police violence directed at the Muslim population due to the secular policy of the PRC. The PRC has been repeatedly accused of genocide against the Uyghur people in the XUAR. The official reason given for the PRC’s brutal policies and aggressive military action, including the use of battle tanks in policing, is due to the religious beliefs of the local population. The PRC considers any religion inside its borders to be unacceptable and forces non-compliant citizens to endure “re-education” programs. As the BBC reported, the PRC has forcibly detained over 1 million Uyghur people in the last few years alone. Ürümqi is the second-largest city in Xinjiang after X’ian, one of the oldest cities in China. The history of X'ian goes back to the four great ancient capitals, and its city walls have stood since the days when the Silk Road passed through its gates. Ürümqi has seen significant economic growth since the PRC began investing in the city in the 1990s, and it is the second-largest metropolitan area in Central Asia, only after Kabul, Afghanistan. The culture of Ürümqi dates back to the days of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire, followed by the rise of the Qing Dynasty, which united China under a single banner. Noodles, fresh dairy products, dried fruit, and nuts are staples of the local cuisine. The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar offers a sensory overload of food, street performances, spices, and silk vendors galore. Manas To Ankara 5,627 Miles On AJet’s MAX 8 This route falls under the purview of Turkish Airline’s LCC subsidiary, AJet. The flight is a few hours long with a bare-bones flying experience. The consensus of online reviews holds AJet in pretty low regard. Still, with the limited number of airlines serving this particular air bridge, it's fortunate to have service on a new aircraft at all. Aside from heavy fog in the winter, there aren’t a lot of extreme weather systems that delay flights in and out of Bishkek, the city that Manas Airport serves. The city of Bishkek is well known for its Soviet-era architecture and landmarks that have been preserved despite the fall of the communist regime. Café culture is a thriving trend with many unique shops for tourists to visit. The mountainous and unique landscapes of Kyrgyzstan attract many adventurers to explore the nation’s natural beauty. Local cuisine offers traditional noodle, dumpling, and rice dishes unique to Kyrgyzstan. AJet has extra fees for basically anything, including baggage and meals, consistent with many LCC models. The aircraft do not have seatback IFE either, so packing your own entertainment will be key to making the trip more enjoyable. You can preorder meals ahead of your flight for AJet, but there have been many trip reports that cited miscommunication as a key issue. All in all, the airline for this particular route may not be the best choice for many flyers, but it is one of the longest air corridors served by a 737 MAX today. Dubai To Manas 6,377 Miles On flydubai’s MAX 9 Taking the top spot on this list is the flydubai route from its hub at DXB to Manas International Airport (BSZ), the gateway of air travel to Kyrgyzstan. The airport in Bishkek offers a single terminal with facilities like currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and a children's play area. It is served by international carriers like Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Flydubai, connecting Bishkek to Asia and Europe. flydubai is building a steadily growing network across Central Asia, including several cities in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The airline sees the region as an underserved market with future potential. The LCC aims for destinations that its parent airline, Emirates, and other large carriers might not serve with direct flights. flydubai is cultivating new connections to boost air travel in and out of its hub at Dubai International. The public announcements are primarily in Russian, and many airport personnel speak only Russian or Kyrgyz. Some travelers have reported chaotic or bureaucratic processes, while others find the small, clean airport with cheap prices to be pleasant. The airport is about 25 kilometers from Bishkek's city center, with taxis and public buses available. Ala-Archa National Park, Burana Tower, Bishkek’s Central Mosque, as well as the Osh and Dordoi Bazaar, are all top hits on the must-visit list for Bishkek. The city itself offers over 20 parks and green spaces, but beyond its metropolitan borders lie Issyk Kul Lake and the Tian Shan mountains. For the most free-spirited adventurers, Bishkek offers an exotic and impressive list of sights, but travel safely, especially women, as there is some risk of crime and violence for tourists.
