Boeing announced more progress on the company’s newest development program, the 737 MAX at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Beverly Wyse, vice president and general manager, 737 program said: “We continue to make steady progress toward our development goals, We are able to firm up our maximum takeoff weight projections, which allow us to confirm that the 737 MAX will fly further and offer more revenue than its predecessor and its future competitor."
The MAX will extend the Next-Generation 737 range advantage and will have the capability to fly more than 3500 nautical miles – an increase of 400 – 540 nmi over the Next-Generation 737.
Joe Ozimek, vice president of 737 MAX product marketing spoke of the MAX’s advanced technology winglet which will reduce fuel burn up to an additional 1.5 per cent.
He also said that its Boeing Sky Interior would provide the most “enhancing passenger experience in planes today.”
“The MAX will allow our customers the flexibility to open up new markets,” added Ozimek. “737 customers today enjoy a range advantage over the competition and now they’ll have even more benefit with the MAX.”
He went on to say that the aircraft will have significant implication to revenue potential.
“A lower operating empty weight but higher maximum takeoff weight allows customers to increase payload or range of the airplane beyond what the main competition can offer. The 737 MAX is a very competitive airplane with strong customer interest. We are confident that 2012 will continue to be the year of the MAX with a total of 1000 firm orders by the end of the year.”
Boeing confirmed that the MAX is on track to enter service in 2017.
Boeing forecasts strong growth for the next 20 years
Boeing has projected a large and growing market for commercial aviation services over the next 20 years.
The company forecast a market worth $2.4 trillion as the sector continues to grow over the coming decades.
It said that the annual growth rate will be four percent with growing opportunities to help aviation customers in a highly competitive marketplace.
Speaking at Farnborough Lou Mancini, senior vice president, Commercial Aviation Services, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said: “Airlines are looking for every possible advantage to succeed, from efficiencies in maintenance services to breakthroughs in flight operations and information technology. Demand for this kind of support and services is only going to grow as fuel prices remain high, fleet size increases and airlines look for ways to improve their overall operations and reduce costs while focusing on their core business, serving passengers.!”
Boeing’s outlook projects long-term growth in the MRO market as demand grows for parts and other MRO solutions.
Additionally, emerging systems and information integration within airline maintenance engineering, flight operations and information technology departments will drive an increased need for enterprise-wide solutions.
Mancini added: “Boeing has the ability to create unparalleled integrated solutions. We know the airplane better than anyone, we have the resources to bring innovations to market and we are there for our customers 24/7.”