Boeing Updates 737 MAX Engine Configuration

Boeing's 737 MAX program has selected a 68-inch fan diameter for the optimized engine design that its says will provide the lowest fuel burn and operating costs in the single-aisle market.

The 737 MAX has received more than 600 order commitments from eight airlines, up from 496 airplanes from five airlines when the program launched in August.

Firm configuration for the airplane is scheduled for 2013 and the first flight for the 737 MAX is scheduled in 2016 with deliveries to customers beginning in 2017.

"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 Program 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. The airplane will have the capacity for increased range while providing better fuel efficiency than today's 737.

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