TAROM's First Boeing 737 MAX Named After Mircea Lucescu Completes Test Flight

The first Boeing 737 MAX for Romania's national carrier TAROM, bearing the name of legendary football coach Mircea Lucescu, successfully completed its inaugural test flight. The aircraft is scheduled to enter commercial service at the end of August, with a second MAX expected in early September and two additional units slated for delivery in spring 2025.

TAROM began modernising its fleet in 2023 and signed a leasing contract in 2024 for the initial two MAX‑8 models. The naming honours Lucescu, whose family granted free use of his name, and was highlighted by TAROM CEO Bogdan Costaș. Interim Transport Minister Radu Miruță said the airline will brief the European Commission on its viability and seek support for the fleet renewal amid rising fuel costs.