TAROM inaugurates first Boeing 737 MAX 8 in Bucharest under fleet renewal plan

Fleet reception at Otopeni Airport

TAROM held the official presentation and inauguration of its first Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft at Henri Coandă International Airport in Otopeni on Saturday, 12 September 2026. The aircraft was acquired directly from Boeing in Seattle, United States, and flown to Romania by TAROM flight crews and technical specialists on 8 September following a two-stage delivery route. Fire service vehicles welcomed the jet on the runway with a traditional water cannon arch salute prior to the boarding of its first passengers. Romanian Ministry of Transport Secretary of State Irinel Ionel Scrioșteanu attended the presentation at the airport, confirming that the jet has been named after former Romania national football team manager Mircea Lucescu.

Aircraft specifications and scheduled routes

The new Boeing 737 MAX 8 is equipped with 189 passenger seats and is powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines designed for lower fuel consumption. According to technical specifications released during the event, the aircraft operates 50% quieter and generates 20% fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to older models. The plane has an operational flight range of approximately 6,400 kilometres without refueling and can reach a maximum flight speed of 850 kilometres per hour, maintaining a typical cruising speed of approximately 840 kilometres per hour. Inside the cabin, the layout provides increased legroom, expanded overhead baggage compartments, updated lighting, comfortable seating, and individual power outlets. TAROM plans to operate the aircraft on its longest European flight routes, including service between Bucharest and Paris, Amsterdam, and Madrid, alongside domestic services to Cluj.

Four-aircraft modernization schedule

The delivery forms part of a comprehensive restructuring program approved by the European Commission in 2024, which requires the Romanian flag carrier to modernize its operating fleet. Under the agreement, TAROM will integrate a total of four Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft while selling four older aircraft from its existing inventory to make room for the new models. A second Boeing 737 MAX 8, which will be named after Romanian Olympic canoeist Ivan Patzaichin, is scheduled to touch down in Romania on 25 September 2026. The remaining two aircraft under the four-plane renewal contract are scheduled to be delivered to the carrier in early 2027.

Cristian Anghel, the general director of TAROM, commented on the operational strategy associated with the fleet renewal.

These aircraft will contribute to transforming the Tarom company into a competitive company. The new measures go in two directions, on the one hand increasing revenues and on the other hand optimizing costs, reducing expenses.

Budget restructuring and management changes

The introduction of the new aircraft takes place alongside internal governance restructuring at the state-owned airline following the dismissal of its previous management team by the board of directors. Interim Minister of Transport Radu Miruță announced that the carrier is rebuilding its operational budget after identifying structural issues under the former leadership. Miruță stated that the board determined the previous financial structure was unsustainable and confirmed that a new budget is scheduled to be presented within ten days.

Healthy medicine for this company, because it was a deceitful budget, which gave satisfaction to some, gave bonuses to others, but enslaved this company more deeply. The conclusion was reached where the Board of Directors also realized that it is not healthy. The management was dismissed and we are in the situation where in the next ten days a budget based on reality and on a fair price will come.