First United Airlines 737 MAX 9 aircraft delivered

United Airlines announced Monday that it has taken delivery of its first 737 MAX 9 aircraft from the Boeing Delivery Center in Seattle, Wash. The new aircraft, which arrived right after Earth Day, reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions significantly compared with older generation aircraft. In honor of this more eco-friendly aircraft, United has given the MAX a new livery, similar to its fuel-efficient Boeing Dreamliner aircraft, so that employees and customers can easily recognize the plane and its superior fuel efficiency.

United expects to take delivery of two more 737 MAX 9 aircraft this month, and will have 10 by the end of the year. The aircraft will enter United's schedule June 7 with service between the airline's hub at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport and five cities – Anchorage, Alaska; Austin, Texas; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Orlando, Fla.. and San Diego, Calif. The aircraft will operate on additional routes from Houston and Los Angeles International Airport starting June 29.