Boeing accelerates first delivery of 737 MAX by one quarter

Boeing announced (19-Jun-2013) it has acclerated the first delivery of the 737 MAX 8 to launch customer Southwest Airlines from 4Q2017 to 3Q2017. Final configuration for the 737 MAX programme is set for Jul-2013. Boeing Commercial Airplanes VP and general manager, airplane development, Scott Fancher said the company has "retired key technology risks" thorough Boeing's "disciplined development on the 737 MAX programme" and the work done by Boeing has enabled the programme to accelerate the 737 MAX schedule. Since launch in Aug-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 show that the 737 MAX configuration will provide a 13% fuel-burn improvement over existing narrowbody aircraft. After firm configuration is achieved, the 737 MAX team will begin detailed design of the aircraft, scheduled for completion in 2014. [more - original PR]