by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 12:50 AM ET, Fri June 8, 2018
United Airlines is the first North American carrier to operate a flight using the fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft.
The airline announced the new plane entered service today as United flight 686 flying from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Florida's Orlando International Airport.
The MAX is also scheduled to operate flights today between Houston and Anchorage, Alaska and Houston and Austin, Texas.
"The Boeing 737 MAX is a great addition to United's fleet, providing approximately 14 percent fuel efficiency compared to previous 737 generations and an improved customer experience onboard," Rodney Cox, vice president of United's Houston operation, said in a statement. "As we begin the busy summer travel season, Houston is happy to be home for United's first MAX aircraft, as we launch initial 737 MAX service from here, and later this month, add MAX service on flights from Houston to L.A., Sacramento, and Tampa."
In celebration of its newest and youngest aircraft entering service, United said it is gifting 737 MileagePlus miles to all of its youngest MileagePlus members (those who are 18 and under) who depart from Houston on one of the MAX flights today.
In addition, all customers on United's first MAX flights from Houston today (regardless of age) will receive first flight certificates, travel cases and headphones to commemorate their trip.
The 737 MAX offers Viasat next-generation satellite Wi-Fi, providing access to faster, more reliable internet connections gate to gate. United said it intends to expand Viasat Wi-Fi to more than 70 aircraft, including at least 58 new 737 MAX planes over the next three years.
The new plane uses Boeing's Advanced Technology winglets and fuel-efficient engines to provide a quieter ride and the ability to fly farther on less fuel. It also offers a longer range than previous 737 models, allowing United to operate the 737 MAX between such far-flung destinations as Houston and Anchorage, Alaska. Flights of such length previously needed to be served with larger aircraft.
United expects to have 10 737 MAX aircraft in its fleet by the end of this year.
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