Boeing delivers first 737NG with new engine
23 Jul 2011
Seattle: The first Boeing Next-Generation 737, an 800 version, with new engines was delivered to China Southern Airlines last week in Seattle, the plane manufacturer said Thursday.
Boeing says the new engine configuration is an improved design that includes modifications to high- and low-pressure turbines, which makes the aircraft burn less fuel and requires less maintenance.
The new engine is part of the 737 performance improvement plan through which Boeing intends to reduce fuel consumption by 2 per cent.
The Chicago-based airplane maker has improved fuel efficiency on the Next-Generation 737 by 5 per cent since the first airplane was delivered in 1998. The engine improvements are expected to boost overall fuel efficiency to 7 per cent.
The Boeing 737 Next Generation, commonly abbreviated as Boeing 737NG, is the name given to the -600/-700/-800/-900 series of the Boeing 737, which follow-on from the -300/-400/-500 Classic series.
The 737NG encompasses the -600, -700, -800 and -900 variants, and is to date the most significant upgrade of the airframe.