Boeing updates 737 MAX

With the order book now standing at more than 600 aircraft from eight airlines, Boeing has released details of 737 MAX programme, the plane having a 68-inch fan diameter for the optimized engine design.

"The 737 is a more efficient, lighter design and requires less thrust than other airplanes in this class, which is important because weight and thrust have a significant effect on fuel efficiency and operating costs," said John Hamilton, 737 Chief Programme Engineer.  "With airlines facing rising fuel costs and weight-based costs equating to nearly 30% of an airline's operating costs, this optimized 68-inch fan design will offer a smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient engine to ensure we maintain the current advantage we have over the competition."

The new 737 family will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines.  The new-engine variant will have 10-12% lower fuel burn than current 737s and a 7% operating cost advantage over the competition says Boeing.  With increased fuel efficiency the operating range of the aircraft will improve too.  When announced last August Boeing suggested a 2017 first delivery. www.boeing.com/commercial

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