TAROM. Photo: Cristi Croitoru / Shutterstock An important new chapter began on September 3 for TAROM as the Romanian national airline officially took over its first Boeing 737 MAX in Seattle, with two flight crews flying the aircraft home to Romania.
The Boeing 737-8 is the first 737 MAX to join TAROM's fleet and will carry the name "Mircea Lucescu," after the renowned Romanian football manager who passed away in April. The aircraft will make the journey from Seattle to Bucharest with a stop in Keflavík, Iceland, before entering service with the airline.
Boeing 737 MAX. Photo: Lukas Wunderlich / Shutterstock.comBefore the handover, TAROM technical specialists carried out thorough inspections and reviewed the aircraft's technical documentation. After the takeover, the aircraft was scheduled to operate the Seattle-Keflavík-Bucharest ferry flight, with its arrival in Romania expected in the coming days.
TAROM General Manager Cristian Anghel described the delivery as more than simply the arrival of a new aircraft, highlighting the experience of the crews responsible for bringing it to Romania.
The choice of the name Mircea Lucescu also gives the aircraft a symbolic connection to Romania. TAROM said the name reflects values such as performance, discipline, perseverance and confidence, which the airline sees as important as it enters a new stage of its development.
For TAROM, the delivery represents the result of years of preparation and a significant investment in the airline's future.
The delivery, which took place in Bucharest on September 12, 2026, with the participation of representatives of TAROM, Boeing and aircraft leasing company CDB Aviation, marks a major milestone in the Romanian airline's renewal and rehabilitation plan.
“We are delighted to support TAROM as it takes delivery of its first 737-8 and continues its fleet modernization strategy,” said Gavan Daly, CDB Aviation’s Commercial Director for EMEA. “This delivery highlights our long-standing partnership with Boeing and our commitment to providing TAROM with efficient, state-of-the-art aircraft that improve operational performance and offer passengers a better experience.”
“We are honored to see TAROM putting this aircraft into service today. This moment reflects the confidence the airline has placed in the 737 family and our partnership as it begins its next chapter,” said Mario Antonio Ebcim, Boeing’s Sales Director for Eurasia and India. “We continue to uphold our commitment to the safety and comfort of the more than 1 million passengers who fly daily aboard aircraft from this versatile family.”
According to TAROM, this is also the first new Boeing aircraft to join the company's fleet. The aircraft is the first of four 737 MAX aircraft to be purchased under operating and financial lease agreements. CDB Aviation will receive two of them: the second aircraft is expected to arrive at the end of September, and the other two will join the fleet in 2027.
The aircraft is equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines and advanced ailerons. According to Boeing and TAROM, the model allows for a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and pollutant emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces, along with a 50% reduction in noise footprint.
The 1954-established airline joined the SkyTeam Alliance on June 25, 2010. The national carrier operates a fleet of 14 aircraft to over 50 destinations, using its own aircraft or codeshare partners. Since 1993, TAROM has been a member company of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).