Boeing 737 Max 8 (B38M)
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ICAO B38M Large

Boeing 737 Max 8

Twin Jet· 148 globally registered

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 represents the fourth generation of the world's best-selling commercial jetliner family, introduced in 2017 as Boeing's answer to the Airbus A320neo. Powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines with distinctive chevron nacelles and split-tip winglets, the MAX 8 delivers roughly 14 percent better fuel efficiency than the 737 Next Generation it replaced while maintaining commonality with earlier 737 variants for pilot training and maintenance. The type seats 162 to 210 passengers depending on configuration and offers a maximum range of approximately 3,550 nautical miles, making it the workhorse of short- to medium-haul operations worldwide. Following a 20-month global grounding after two fatal accidents in 2018 and 2019, the MAX 8 returned to service with enhanced flight control systems, revised pilot training requirements, and intensified regulatory oversight. The aircraft cruises at Mach 0.79, reaches a service ceiling of 41,000 feet, and operates from runways as short as 6,165 feet at maximum weight. Its advanced flight deck features large-format displays and improved situational awareness tools while preserving the essential handling characteristics that have defined the 737 series since 1967. The MAX 8 competes directly with the Airbus A320neo family and has secured orders from low-cost carriers, legacy airlines, and leasing companies across six continents. SkyMeter has tracked 51,054 flights across 1,943 airframes and 25 operators, with SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO the largest observed operator.

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ACTIVE AIRFRAMES
1,943
last 7 days
🏢
OPERATORS
25
unique airlines
📊
FLIGHTS
51,054
tracked
AVG DURATION
2h 35m
per flight
INCIDENT RATE
0.4%
221 flagged

Safety in context

The incident rate counts flights with ANY safety event detected by SkyMeter: go-arounds (a routine response, not a failure), unstable-approach gate flags (advisory thresholds), rejected takeoffs (the system working as designed), and runway events. It is NOT an accident rate or fatality rate. For accident statistics, refer to the NTSB Aviation Accident Database (USA) or the Aviation Safety Network. See methodology for what each event type measures.

Performance

Speed envelope & approach

Vref
145 kt
Vref range
140–145 kt
Vmo
340 kt
Mmo
0.82
Vs0 (landing)
106 kt
Vfe
250 kt
Approach category
D

Dimensions

Airframe geometry

Wingspan
118 ft
Length
130 ft
Tail height
40 ft
Wheelbase
51 ft
Gear width
19 ft
Wake category
Medium

Weight & identification

Operating limits

MTOW
181,200 lb
MALW
152,800 lb
Manufacturer model
Boeing 737 MAX 8
FAA designator
B38M
Registered
148

Safety profile

Flagged flights · last 7 days

Recent incidents

Flagged flights of B38M

20
07/27/2026
21m
✕ Rejected takeoff
07/27/2026
1h 8m
↻ Go-around
07/27/2026
2h 25m
△ Low approach-stability score
07/27/2026
49m
△ Low approach-stability score
07/27/2026
1h 41m
↻ Go-around
07/27/2026
1h 56m
↻ Go-around
07/27/2026
1h 20m
△ Low approach-stability score
07/27/2026
3h 16m
↻ Go-around
07/27/2026
1h 3m
△ Low approach-stability score
07/27/2026
1h 6m
↻ Go-around

Recent flights

Real flights of B38M · airborne ≥ 20 min

30
07/27/2026
19m
No alerts
07/27/2026
20m
No alerts
07/27/2026
21m
No alerts
07/27/2026
21m
No alerts
07/27/2026
22m
No alerts
07/27/2026
22m
No alerts
07/27/2026
22m
No alerts
07/27/2026
23m
No alerts
07/27/2026
23m
No alerts
07/27/2026
23m
No alerts
07/27/2026
23m
No alerts
07/27/2026
24m
No alerts
07/27/2026
24m
No alerts
07/27/2026
24m
No alerts
07/27/2026
25m
No alerts
07/27/2026
25m
No alerts
07/27/2026
25m
No alerts
07/27/2026
25m
No alerts
07/27/2026
25m
No alerts
07/27/2026
25m
No alerts
07/27/2026
25m
No alerts
07/27/2026
26m
No alerts
07/27/2026
26m
No alerts
07/27/2026
26m
No alerts
07/27/2026
26m
No alerts
07/27/2026
27m
No alerts
07/27/2026
27m
No alerts
07/27/2026
27m
No alerts
07/27/2026
28m
No alerts
07/27/2026
28m
No alerts
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© SkyMeter · All flight data subject to ODbL attribution · Tracking window: 7 days (free tier)