Boeing last week unveiled its answer to the best-selling Airbus A320 NEO, a new engine variant of the 737 called Boeing 737 MAX. The new family of aircraft consists of the 737 MAX 7, 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 9. The new 737 family will be powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines optimized for the 737. Like the A320 neo, that will be powered by CFM International LEAP-X or Pratt & Whitney PW1100G PurePower engines, the 737 MAX will deliver big fuel savings that airlines will need to successfully compete in the future. According to Boeing, airlines will benefit from a 7 percent advantage in operating costs over the A320 neo and lower maintenance requirements. The 737 MAX will also feature the 737 Boeing Sky Interior. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017.
However, Boeing may be forced to cut short the lifespan of its just-launched 737 MAX aircraft and go back to the drawing board for a new airplane to protect sales, the head of engine maker Pratt & Whitney, David Hess said yesterday.
Industry analysts say the decisions by Airbus and Boeing have defined the biggest segment of the airplane market for the next 15 years -- but Pratt & Whitney believes Boeing may not be able to wait that long because the engine it has chosen is too small.
 |
| Airbus 320 NEO |
No comments:
Post a Comment