[alexithym]

The 737 isn't really designed to fly longer international routes - it's mostly used for domestic short haul flights. However, the international market is absolutely gigantic, especially the Asian one, and not being able to fly 737s in countries other than the US would be a godsend for Airbus and a tremendous blow for Boeing.

[raverbashing]

The MAX reaches all the way to Brazil (non-stop) from the US and can open more flights Europe<>US/Canada as an example. It was a big selling point.