Boeing 737 MAX achieves ‘firm concept’

Boeing has finished defining in broad terms its newest single-aisle airplane, the 737 MAX, recently completing a major milestone in development known as ‘Firm Concept’. “The program has achieved this development milestone by defining the significant changes needed to deliver the performance we’ve committed to our customers,” said Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager 737 program. “The team has a firm plan in place to incorporate all the changes necessary to realize a 13 percent fuel-use reduction within the scope and schedule of the program.” Fuel-use reduction changes include new LEAP-1B engines from CFM International, a redesigned tail cone