TAROM launches second Boeing 737 MAX 8 on Bucharest‑Chișinău route

Inaugural flight

The aircraft performed its first commercial service on the Bucharest–Chișinău route, a flight chosen to commemorate 100 years since the first national airline routes between the two cities. The plane was delivered directly from Seattle to Romania before the flight.

Ceremony and passengers

The flight was attended by Romanian Ambassador Cristian‑Leon Țurcanu and was part of the Centenarul Aviației Civile celebrations in Romania. Upon arrival at Eugen Doga International Airport, the aircraft was greeted with a traditional water‑cannon salute. Passengers on board included Ivona Potzaichin‑Rusu, the daughter of Olympic champion Ivan Patzaichin, and his wife Georgiana Potzaichin.

Aircraft details

The Boeing 737 MAX 8 carries 189 seats and offers more luggage space. It is 20 % more fuel‑efficient, produces 20 % fewer carbon emissions and operates with a noise level 50 % lower than previous models. Two additional MAX 8 aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Romania in March and will be used on European and domestic routes.

The first Boeing 737 MAX 8 entered service in September and was named “Mircea Lucescu”.