Romanian flag carrier TAROM is taking delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX, marking a major milestone in the airline’s fleet modernization programme.
The Boeing 737-8 is being collected by TAROM crews from Boeing’s facilities in Seattle before being flown to Romania on a special two-stage delivery flight.
The aircraft will operate from Seattle to Keflavík, Iceland, before continuing to Bucharest.
It will become the first Boeing 737 MAX in TAROM’s fleet and will carry the name “Mircea Lucescu,” honoring the renowned Romanian football coach.
“Today is not only about taking delivery of an aircraft. It is about the people who have the responsibility of bringing it to Romania and the trust TAROM places in their experience and professionalism,” said Cristian Anghel, General Director of TAROM.
“The first Boeing 737 MAX joining the TAROM fleet marks an important step in our transformation process. And the fact that this aircraft bears the name of Mircea Lucescu makes the moment even more special. It is a new aircraft, but also a new beginning for TAROM.”
Two TAROM Crews to Operate the Delivery Flight
TAROM has assigned two crews to bring the aircraft from Seattle to its new home in Bucharest.
The first leg between Seattle and Keflavík will be operated by Captain Cătălin Prunariu, TAROM’s Director of Flight Operations, together with instructor captains Alexandru Scarlatescu and Alexandru Dobre.
The cabin crew includes flight instructors Viviana Negru and Daniela Cristescu, cabin chief Rodica Hidioșeanu and flight attendant Oana Buleac.
The second leg from Keflavík to Bucharest will be operated by instructor captains Alexandru Fodor and Bogdan Rolnic, alongside cabin chiefs Diana Barboi and Antonia Vovec and flight attendants Andreea Otava and Alin Rizu.
“From Seattle to Bucharest, TAROM’s first Boeing 737 MAX is not simply travelling to its new home. It is travelling alongside a team of people for whom aviation means profession, responsibility and a great deal of passion,” Prunariu said.
Technical Team Oversees Aircraft Delivery
A team of four TAROM technical specialists is also participating in the delivery process.
The specialists are responsible for inspecting the aircraft and reviewing the technical documentation associated with its handover before it leaves Boeing’s facilities.
Members of the technical team have been involved in preparations for introducing the Boeing 737 MAX into TAROM’s fleet, including aircraft-specific training and maintenance planning.
The arrival represents one of the most significant steps yet in the Romanian carrier’s ongoing fleet renewal programme.
Following completion of the handover process in Seattle, the aircraft is expected to depart for Romania over the weekend, operating the Seattle–Keflavík–Bucharest delivery route.
Its arrival in Bucharest will formally introduce the Boeing 737 MAX family into TAROM’s operating fleet.
