|
Aerodynamic and engine changes included in the
package will reduce fuel consumption by 2 percent.
Boeing is phasing the changes into production
mid-2011 through early 2012.
One percent of the savings comes from reducing
resistance as air flows around the airplane. The
upper and lower anti-collision lights change from
round to a more aerodynamic, elongated teardrop
shape. Wheel-well fairings are re-contoured to
smooth the air flow near the main landing gear.
A redesign of the environmental control system,
exhaust vent and streamlined wing slat and spoiler
trailing edges round out the aerodynamic changes.
Engine maker CFM, a 50:50 venture between the
US GE and French Snecma, is introducing the new
CFM56-7BE engine enhancement program to coincide
with Boeing’s airframe changes. Low- and
high-pressure turbine modifications will result
in a 1 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
In addition, Boeing is optimizing the engine’s
primary nozzle and plug. Together, the changes
result in cooler-running engines that may provide
up to 4 percent lower maintenance costs.
Boeing’s continuous efforts to improve the
Next-Generation 737 family have resulted in an
accumulated 5 percent gain in fuel efficiency
since the first airplane was delivered in 1998.
The new improvements will give operators an airplane
that is 7 percent more efficient than the first
Next-Generation 737s delivered.
In late October, Boeing delivered its first two
Next-Generation 737-800s with the new Boeing Sky
Interior. The interior features new cove lighting
and curving architecture that create a more open
feel in the cabin. Updated sidewalls and window
reveals add a modern feel, and larger stowage
bins enable passengers to store more luggage while
giving them more headroom. Deliveries to new operators
continue each month.
|
