Boeing and its partners have been working towards the next generation of Boeing 737 – The Boeing 737 MAX for some while.
It seems work is now progressing a fair rate, with the first frame revealed today as it enters the final assembly hall at Boeing’s Renton plant.
The first Boeing 737 MAX 8 in the assembly line – Image © The Boeing Company.
The Boeing 737 MAX production line to the centre, whilst the Boeing 737 Next Generation production line to the right – Image © The Boeing Company.
The first 737 MAX fuselage arrived from Spirit Aerosystems on the 21st August, and has had installing flight systems and insulation blankets installed in it. The fuselage had wings joined to it as part of the build of the aircraft.
A forward view of the first Boeing 737 MAX 8 – Image © The Boeing Company.
Also today, Boeing gave a closer look at the new winglet to be used on the Boeing 737 MAX. Called the Boeing Advanced Technology Winglet, it has some very sharp angles.
The new winglet device – The Boeing Advanced Technology Winglet – Image © The Boeing Company.
Whilst similar to the Split-Wing Scimitar Winglet, it is a radically different in terms of the angle these winglets are at. Boeing predicts that these new winglets will offer fuel savings of up to 1.8%.
Don’t laugh at 1.8%. Lots of 1.8%’s add up quickly in terms of fuel costs, which ultimately as a passenger – you’ll wind up paying as part of your ticket.
As time progresses, Boeing will convert the two other production lines to build the 737 MAX.
So when is this plane taking to the skies? There’s a lot of work to be done, with Boeing aiming to get the aircraft complete towards the end of 2015, and to fly the 737 MAX in early 2016.
Providing all goes according to plan, launch customer Southwest Airlines will take delivery of their first 737 MAX during the 3rd Quarter of 2017.
This plane does have high expectations as carriers look to renew their fleets – with 2,869 orders for Boeing 737 MAX family aircraft already.
As the plane continues to be built, I’ll be keeping an eye on it and the development of this aircraft
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