Boeing employee Wendy Curtis applies sealer to the spar components.

Craig Larsen

Production of the first 737 MAX 9 began this week in Renton, Wash., with loading of the first 65-foot wing spar — the main support structure for the wing.

Employees loaded the spar into a giant tool that automatically drills, measures and installs more than 2,500 fasteners into the spar. The spar components are built in Auburn, Wash., by Boeing Fabrication employees who traveled to the 737 wings factory to celebrate the milestone. Employees celebrated with the help of the Seattle Seahawks' drumline Blue Thunder which added their own sound to the manufacturing rhythm of production in the facility.

Lion Air, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, is the launch customer for the 737 MAX 9, the largest member of the 737 MAX family. The airplane is scheduled to be delivered in 2019.

By Dina Lorraine

Boeing employee Scott Wood helps load the first 737 MAX 9 wing spar Tuesday in Renton, Wash., marking the start of production for largest member of the 737 MAX family.

Craig Larsen

Blue Thunder, the drum line of the Seattle Seahawks football team, livens up ceremonies marking loading of the first 737 MAX 9 wing spar.

Craig Larsen