Boeing MAX goes firm

With a pre-first flight order book of 1,495 aircraft (but still behind Airbus who has an astonishing 2,179 commitments for the A320 Neo series) Boeing has set the firm configuration of the 737 MAX 8.  This milestone marks completion of the major trade studies that define the capabilities of the 737 MAX family.  Final assembly of the first plane is planned to begin in 2015 with first delivery scheduled for the third quarter of 2017.

Boeing says that the 737 MAX will be 13% more fuel-efficient than today's most capable single-aisle aeroplanes and 8% more fuel-efficient per seat than tomorrow's competition (meaning Airbus).  The configuration includes new LEAP-1B engines from CFM International that are optimized for the 737 MAX, a redesigned tail cone and the Boeing designed Advanced Technology Winglet to reduce fuel use.  Other changes incorporated include upgrades to the flight deck displays, an electronic bleed air system and fly-by-wire spoiler flight controls.

"The 737 MAX will not only be the most fuel-efficient airplane, it will maintain the 737's industry-leading reliability", said Keith Leverkuhn, Vice President and Programme Manager, 737 MAX Programme, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are working closely with our customers and industry partners to ensure that the airplane we deliver will perform as promised". www.boeing.com/commercial

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum