Boeing improves 737 MAX efficiency gains to 14%, on track for first delivery in 3Q2017

Boeing stated (29-Oct-2013) the 737 MAX programme continues to make steady development progress since reaching Firm Configuration on the 737 MAX 8 in Jul-2013. Engineers have completed an assessment of the aircraft's performance confirming an additional 1% fuel-efficiency improvement over the 13% already promised to customers. VP and GM 737 MAX programme Keith Leverkuhn said, "Programme and airplane performance just continues to improve...We have been very disciplined in our approach and continue to realise more benefit for our customers as we retire risk on the programme and get further into development." Boeing said that aircraft that will operate the 737 MAX now will realise a 14% fuel-efficiency improvement over today's most fuel efficient single-aisle aircraft and at longer ranges, the improvement will be even greater. Mr Leverkuhn added, "This recent fuel-efficiency gain will widen the performance gap in the single-aisle market, reinforcing the 737 MAX's position as the value leader". The 737 MAX will feature several new systems that will improve the management of maintenance information. For example, some Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) information will be brought into the flight deck meaning that "maintenance issues can be resolved faster". The MAX also will include an enhanced onboard network system comprised of a digital flight data acquisition unit (eDFDAU) and network file server (NFS). These systems will provide a centralised data collection system with more storage capacity, doubling the maintenance data available during flight. The system will be capable of connecting the aircraft in flight to aircraft operations on the ground enabling airlines to better prepare for potential dispatch issues. 737 MAX chief project engineer Michael Teal added, "We are enhancing the capability of the 737 MAX to meet the future needs of a digital world.. Recognising that the Next-Generation 737 is already the most reliable single-aisle airplane with 99.7 percent of flights departing on time, we are being very deliberate about any changes we make to the airplane systems on the 737 MAX to make the airplane even easier to operate and maintain." Mr Leverkuhn also confirmed, "We are on track for first delivery of the 737 MAX in the third quarter of 2017." [more - original PR]