US Airlines Set for Longest Boeing 737 MAX Flights in November

As international travel ramps up, November 2023 will see the United States hosting a total of 576 daily international long-haul scheduled passenger departures. Among these, narrowbody aircraft will account for only 30 flights, with the Boeing 737 MAX slated to operate seven of those services. This data, sourced from OAG, highlights the growing significance of the Boeing 737 MAX in long-haul travel, with both the MAX 8 and MAX 9 models being utilized for these routes.

Leading the pack, Icelandair will operate the longest Boeing 737 MAX flight, connecting Keflavik to Orlando with a maximum block time of 8 hours 20 minutes. The flight covers a distance of 3,071 nautical miles (approximately 5,687 kilometers) each way. Interestingly, Icelandair’s new Miami route, which boasts a longer flying time of up to 8 hours 40 minutes, will not feature the MAX, as it is designated for the A321LR aircraft.

Overview of the Longest Flights

The list of the ten longest Boeing 737 MAX flights in the US for November includes routes with block times ranging from 7 hours 24 minutes to the top duration of 8 hours 20 minutes. Notably, the entries are dominated by Icelandair and Gol, with the latter offering a flight from Brasília to Orlando that takes 8 hours 15 minutes.

Here are the ten longest flights using the Boeing 737 MAX:

1. **Keflavik to Orlando** – Icelandair (8h 20m)
2. **Brasília to Orlando** – Gol (8h 15m)
3. **Keflavik to Denver** – Icelandair (8h 10m)
4. **Fortaleza to Orlando** – Gol (8h 05m)
5. **Keflavik to Seattle** – Icelandair (8h 00m)
6. **Panama City to San Francisco** – United and Copa (7h 54m)
7. **Liberia back to Seattle** – Alaska Airlines (7h 51m)
8. **Edmonton to Honolulu** – WestJet (7h 30m)
9. **Calgary to Honolulu** – WestJet (7h 30m)
10. **Calgary to Kona** – WestJet (7h 24m)

The significance of these flights is not just in their duration but also in their operational capacity. Each of these routes represents a critical connection point, facilitating long-distance travel across various regions.

Copa Airlines’ San Francisco Service

Among notable operators, Copa Airlines stands out with its daily service from Panama City to San Francisco. This route has been a staple of the airline’s offerings for the past decade, and during the last year alone, it has transported approximately 153,000 round-trip passengers with a 90% seat load factor.

Interestingly, the San Francisco service is Copa’s longest flight in terms of duration, surpassing its second-longest route to Montevideo by 20 minutes. Flight CM382 departs Central America at 18:27 and arrives in San Francisco at 23:17 local time, taking 7 hours 50 minutes. The return flight, CM383, leaves at 00:36 and lands back in Panama City at 10:46 local time.

Alaska Airlines also makes its mark with a weekly flight from Seattle to Liberia, which is included in the top ten longest MAX flights. This route was inaugurated just before Christmas in December 2024 and has since become a popular choice for travelers heading to Costa Rica’s scenic coastlines.

With airlines adapting to changing travel demands, the performance of the Boeing 737 MAX in long-haul operations underscores its strategic importance in the aviation sector. As international travel continues to evolve, these flights not only connect distant cities but also symbolize the resilience and adaptability of the airline industry.