TUI’s Longest 737 Max Route!

[Pilatus]

I decided to try and fly the longest TUI max route: Espargos to Helsinki. I’d highly recommend this one, it’s up there with the most scenic flights I’ve done in 6 years on the game (My camera skills don’t do it justice). You go from the empty isolated Cape Verde Islands, all the way to the nordics; it’s a huge contrast. Flight time is typically around 7hr 40, but took me 8h 12 due to a forced go around from traffic on the runway and a very busy Helsinki airspace. Honestly, I have no idea how people survive this flight on a narrow body in real life, it must be gruelling - hats off to the Fins. ATC in Helsinki was top notch too.

Flight Information:

Server: Expert
Aircraft: 737-800 MAX
Airline: TUI Nordic (BLX)
Call sign: Bluescan 4EX
Flight time: 8h 12min
Route: GVAC-EFHK

Sunrise takeoff at GVAC.

Leaving Cape Verde Islands.

Flying Overhead Gran Canaria.

Crossing the Montana Palentina Mountains in Northern Spain.

Above the Belgian Coastline.

Setting down in 22L at Helsinki.

Parked up on the Apron finally at Helsinki.

[BennyBoy_Alpha]

I did Stockholm-Boa Vista in Cape Verde (ESSA-GVBA) when the MAX first released - came in at just under 8 hours due to winds. They are great routes.

Nice photos!

[Pilatus]

Thanks man appreciate it, the routes are great aren’t they? Stockholm would’ve been cool too. Wish Boa Vista had 3D though bc they’re such cool airports in Cape Verde. Looking to try some of the TUI max routes to Banjul (The Gambia) from Gatwick and Manchester next as you fly down the coast of Morocco and Western Sahara so the scenery will be just as cool I imagine.

[PilotMatisse]

I learned something new today! Also, amazing photos! But yeah I agree, that long on a narrow body must be painstaking.

[Damani]

I flew the MAX from SCCI - TJSJ 9hrs 23min / then I just completed PHNL - UBBB 11hrs 43mins

[Pilatus]

Thanks so much! Apparently there’s slightly more pitch/legroom than the Ryanair Max (Which was horrible even on a 2 hour leg from Madrid). Even so, with no IFE and just a few toilets I think I’d pray for a Dreamliner!

[Pilatus]

How did you manage the Honolulu to Reykjavik leg? Haven’t tested the max range properly yet, was it Low cargo/pax with lots of step climbing?

[Damani]

So basically filled the tanks all the way up, then climb out at 1800fpm to 10,000ft…then 285kts up to 27,000 , then M0.80 to FL360 the entire trip. Go ahead try it…

[AndrewWu]

Max range is 15 hours empty or 11.5 hours with full passengers and reserves. You can also bug it out with flaps to fly untold distances.

[Damani]

When I did my long hauls (SCCI - TJSJ) (PHNL - BIKF) my plane had full tanks,cargo - 12000 lbs, pax - 130 & fuel 46,000lbs. In both cases shallow climb up FL360 Mach 0.80 and when landed had enough to be within legal limits. I most say that I was nervous about the last flight because for most of it ( time remaining) was in the RED but then toward the later part it showed WHITE and I was home free. I’m not sure if what I’m doing is “real” out there in the world…but the range in the game is bit incredible. If this what it REALLY can do…then wow…wasn’t expecting it. I also did (KLAX - UBBB) 10hrs 32mins

[AndrewWu]

It doesn’t have anywhere near that range IRL. I ran the numbers compared to Boeing’s official commutation and the IF plane has 35% more range.

[Damani]

Thanks for the input…was beginning to wonder 😂…so here’s something…2025 is upon us…maybe you fly this later ( not in the MAX) YSSY - KLAX start the trip in 2025 - to arrive back 2024 before the countdown ( crossing the datelined) 😂😂😂

[AndrewWu]

Well, funnily enough YSSY-KLAX is absolutely doable in the MAX without 0 tailwinds (I did it).

[Damani]

Hahahaha…incredible…well done…I don’t think I’m that brave…but I am willing to try NZAA - KLAX in the MAX or even NWWW - KLAX to be safer 😂