Boeing to launch new re-engined 737 in 2017
The Boeing board of directors has approved the launch of the new engine variant of the market-leading 737, based on order commitments for 496 airplanes from five airlines.
“The re-engined 737 will allow Boeing to continue to deliver the most fuel efficient, most capable airplane with the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle market,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president Jim Albaugh.
“This, coupled with industry leading reliability and maintainability, is what customers have told us they want.
“As a result, we are seeing overwhelming demand for this new and improved version of the 737.
“We are working with our customers to finalize these and other agreements in the weeks and months ahead.”
The new 737 family will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines optimised for the 737.
It will have the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle segment with a seven per cent advantage over the competition.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017.
“Customers tell us they want to improve profitability and fuel efficiency while reducing their environmental footprint,” said Albaugh.
“This solution meets all three of those needs.”
When compared to a fleet of 100 of today’s most fuel-efficient airplanes, this new model will emit 277,000 fewer tons of CO2 and save nearly £175 million of fuel per year, which translates into $85 million in cost savings.
The airplane’s fuel burn is expected to be 16 per cent lower than our competitor’s current offering and 4 percent lower than their future offering.
Boeing has named Bob Feldmann vice president and general manager of the new engine 737 family.