Romania’s flag carrier TAROM has taken delivery of its first Boeing 737-8, introducing the 737 MAX to its fleet as part of a wider restructuring and fleet renewal program.
Boeing and lessor CDB Aviation announced the delivery on September 12, 2026. The aircraft, named Mircea Lucescu after the Romanian football manager, is the first of two 737-8s leased to TAROM by CDB Aviation. A second aircraft is expected this autumn.
CDB Aviation said TAROM ultimately plans to operate four 737-8s, acquired through a combination of operating and finance leases.
MAX joins TAROM fleet renewal
The new aircraft will progressively renew TAROM’s Boeing narrowbody fleet. Boeing said the carrier currently operates four 737 Next-Generation aircraft and expects the MAX to improve efficiency while retaining commonality with its existing 737 operations.
TAROM previously said the CDB Aviation aircraft would each have 189 seats. When the lease agreement was announced in July 2024, the airline said the new jets would help standardize its fleet and reduce operating costs.
The delivery comes later than initially planned. In 2024, TAROM said the two CDB Aviation aircraft were expected between December 2025 and January 2026.
Fleet renewal forms part of TAROM’s broader restructuring, backed by up to €95.3 million in Romanian state aid approved by the European Commission in April 2024. The restructuring plan runs through the end of 2026.
TAROM starts promoting MAX flights
TAROM has already begun marketing the new aircraft to passengers through its “Be MAX! Be happy!” campaign.
The promotion highlights flights to Cluj-Napoca, Madrid, Amsterdam and Paris, with travel dates beginning September 12. However, the campaign does not identify a specific inaugural commercial flight or state that every advertised service will be operated by the 737 MAX.
Boeing said TAROM plans to use its growing MAX fleet on routes linking Bucharest with major European capitals.
The first aircraft carries the name Mircea Lucescu, while TAROM has announced that its second 737 MAX will be named Ivan Patzaichin, after the Romanian Olympic canoeing champion.