Aircraft
With or Without Re-engining, Changes Afoot for Boeing 737
Boeing’s path for further development of the 737 series doesn’t necessarily include replacing the jet’s CFM56 engines, although that remains an option, acc
Boeing this month started flight testing a 737-800 equipped with a performance improvement package expected to reduce fuel burn by another 2 percent. (Copyright Boeing)
Boeing this month started flight testing a 737-800 equipped with a performance improvement package expected to reduce fuel burn by another 2 percent. (Copyright Boeing)

Boeing’s path for further development of the 737 series doesn’t necessarily include replacing the jet’s CFM56 engines, although that remains an option, according to John Hamilton, 737 chief project engineer. Meanwhile, 737 production continues at escalating rates, and Boeing is adding incremental aerodynamic improvements, as well as the new Sky Interior to keep the line fresh.

A 737-800 in the new United Airlines livery successfully completed its first test flight some two weeks ago, marking the start of an effort to certify a package of 737 performance improvements. Boeing has scheduled 43 flights through April 2011, by which time it plans to conduct 135 in-flight tests and 17 ground tests.