Tag Archives: Boeing 737 MAX 8

Boeing completes the 737 MAX 8 configuration

Boeing (Chicago) has completed 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.

As detailed designs are completed and released, production can begin. Final assembly of the 737 MAX 8 is scheduled to begin in 2015 with first delivery scheduled for the third quarter of 2017.

The 737 MAX will be 13 percent more fuel-efficient than today’s most efficient single-aisle airplanes and 8 percent more fuel-efficient per seat than tomorrow’s competition. 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 family includes the 737 MAX 7, 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9 and will serve the 100- to over 200-seat market. The 737 MAX will extend the Next-Generation 737 range advantage with the capability to fly more than 3,500 nautical miles (6,482 km), an increase of 400-540 nmi (741-1,000 km) over the Next-Generation 737. First delivery of the 737 MAX 9 is planned for 2018 followed by first delivery of the MAX 7 in 2019.

To date, the 737 MAX has accumulated orders for 1,495 airplanes.

Image: Boeing.

CIT Aerospace orders 30 Boeing 737 MAX 8s

CIT Group Inc. (CIT Aerospace) (New York) and Boeing today announced from the 2013 Paris Air Show that CIT Aerospace has placed an order for 30 737 MAX 8s.

As of March 31, 2013, CIT owned or financed a fleet of approximately 350 commercial aircraft, including operating lease and financing agreements in place for 128 Boeing aircraft.

Founded in 1908, CIT is a bank holding company with more than $35 billion in financing and leasing assets. It provides financing and leasing capital and advisory services to its clients and their customers across more than 30 industries. CIT maintains leadership positions in small business and middle market lending, factoring, retail finance, aerospace, equipment and rail leasing, and vendor finance. CIT also operates CIT Bank (Member FDIC), its primary bank subsidiary, which, through its online bank BankOnCIT.com, offers a suite of savings options designed to help customers achieve a range of financial goals

Image: Boeing. Pictured here is an image of the 737 MAX 8 in CIT livery (which has never has been painted).

Boeing Accelerates First Delivery of 737 MAX, cockpit revealed

Boeing (Chicago) announced today that first delivery of the 737 MAX 8 to launch customer Southwest Airlines (Dallas) will be a quarter earlier than originally scheduled – in the third quarter of 2017 instead of fourth quarter.

“Through our disciplined development on the 737 MAX program, the team has retired key technology risks,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager, Airplane Development, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, during a briefing at the 2013 Paris Air Show. “We have informed our customers and they are pleased they will be able to put these more fuel-efficient airplanes in their fleets sooner than planned.”

Since launch in August 2011, the 737 MAX team has worked to define the final configuration of the airplane including new LEAP-1B engines from CFM International, a redesigned tail cone and the Advanced Technology winglet. Testing in the wind tunnel and data analysis prove that the 737 MAX configuration, set to be final in July, will give customers a 13 percent fuel-burn improvement over today’s most fuel efficient single-aisle airplanes.

The work done by Boeing has enabled the program to accelerate the 737 MAX schedule. “We continue to follow our knowledge points through the development process and we have an executable plan. Testing, improvement workshops, and solid early data have allowed us to validate the airplane’s performance and move the schedule forward,” said Fancher.

Image: Boeing. The Boeing 737 MAX will feature new large-format flight deck displays supplied by Rockwell Collins. The new displays will deliver enhanced visuals, improved reliability, lower spares and maintenance costs, lower weight and lower upgrade costs over the life of the airplane. The flight deck layout will maintain operational commonality with the Next-Generation 737 on entry-into-service of the 737 MAX while preparing the airplane for future flight deck capabilities.

Pictured here is an artist’s rendering of the 737 MAX flight deck with the four new large format displays.

ALAFCO firms up its order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8s

Boeing (Chicago) and Kuwait airplane leasing company ALAFCO (Kuwait City) finalized an order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8s valued at $2.0 billion at current list price. The order was first announced as a commitment at the Farnborough Airshow in July.

The order brings the total number of 737 MAX orders to date to 878.

SilkAir defects to Boeing for 23 Boeing 737-800s and 31 737 MAX 8s

SilkAir (Singapore), the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to purchase up to 68 new aircraft from Boeing.

The order is the largest in SilkAir’s history and remains subject to the negotiation of a final purchase agreement.

It will comprise firm orders for 54 aircraft and purchase rights for another 14. Firm orders will comprise 23 Boeing 737-800s and 31 Boeing 737 MAX 8s. SilkAir will have the flexibility to switch to other variants within the Boeing 737 product range.

SilkAir currently operates 21 A319s and A320s, with three more A320s due for delivery by the end of 2013. The new aircraft will cater for both growth and fleet renewal.

SilkAir: