Skymark Becomes First Japanese Airline to Operate Boeing 737 MAX, Launching on May 28

On May 28, Japanese airline Skymark will become the first airline in Japan to begin operating the Boeing 737 MAX.

The first aircraft (737-8 type, registration: JA738A) was delivered in Seattle, Washington in the United States, where Boeing’s factory is located, on April 29 local time. It arrived at Tokyo/Haneda Airport on May 4.

Aircraft exterior

The 737-8 is 39.5 meters long, 35.9 meters wide, and 12.3 meters high. Compared to the existing 737-800 (length 39.5 meters, wingspan 34.3 meters, height 12.5 meters), its overall height is 0.2 meters lower, while its wingspan is 1.6 meters wider.

While the overall aircraft design follows that of the 737-800, the brand color “SKY BLUE” painted on the vertical stabilizer has been extended down to the lower part of the fuselage. The red heart mark on the winglets has been increased from one on the previous aircraft to two, expressing the desire to “deliver many warm hearts to even more people.” At the aircraft unveiling event, Skymark President Manabu Motohashi explained that they had “doubled the number of hearts.”

The aircraft is equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions per seat by about 15 percent compared to the 737-800. Its range has been extended from 5,440 kilometers to 6,480 kilometers. The cruising speed is 834 kilometers per hour.

Cabin

The aircraft has 177 seats, the same as the current 737-800, and uses slimline seats manufactured by Recaro. Seat pitch is approximately 31 inches (about 79 centimeters). Universal power outlets are installed under the seats, and each seatback is equipped with a USB Type-C port. The airline plans to offer in-flight Wi-Fi service in the future.

The inaugural flight is scheduled to be flight BC3 from Tokyo/Haneda to Fukuoka, departing at 7:35 a.m. on May 28. After that, the aircraft will be deployed on flight BC6 from Fukuoka to Tokyo/Haneda departing at 10:10 a.m., BC13 from Tokyo/Haneda to Fukuoka at 12:35 p.m., BC16 from Fukuoka to Tokyo/Haneda at 3:05 p.m., BC23 from Tokyo/Haneda to Fukuoka at 5:25 p.m., and BC24 from Fukuoka to Tokyo/Haneda at 8:00 p.m.

For the time being after the first day, it will continue to operate mainly on the Tokyo/Haneda–Fukuoka route and will gradually be introduced on other routes. The flights on which the aircraft is operated can be checked on the seat availability screen, where the aircraft type is displayed as “738”. (Six photos below)