Boeing Unveils New Engine and New Interior for 737

[Matt Molnar]

FlightBlogger:

Breaking: Boeing launches 737 Sky Interior & CFM56-7B Evolution engine (Update3)
RENTON -- Boeing has launched a new interior and upgraded CFM engine for the 737 Next Generation family of narrowbody of aircraft.



CFM will introduce the CFM56-7B Evolution engine in conjunction with a new interior to deliver a 1% improvement in overall aircraft efficiency. Boeing will also make minor tweaks to the aerodynamics of the aircraft to contribute to a 1% improvement as well.

Overall, Boeing hopes to deliver around 2% of overall improvements for 737 Next Generation customers. [Full story]

New interiors will begin delivery next year, new engines in 2011. Launch customers are FlyDubai, Continental, Malaysian, Tui, Norwegian and GOL.

[Matt Molnar]

I like the 777-style bins and the extra head room and sense of space, but how do you adjust the air and light if you're in the aisle seat? Controls on the armrest?

[sporky]

but how do you adjust the air and light if you're in the aisle seat? Controls on the armrest?

From the look of it the overhead seat light is not available anymore, at least I don't see it in the picture. Most likely will have the over-shoulder individual light attachment for the seat.

-Tad

[Planesntrains]

Not a fan of 3 and 3 seating. Figured on the new 737s they'd go 3 and 2, or, 2 and 3.

[T-Bird76]

Not a fan of 3 and 3 seating. Figured on the new 737s they'd go 3 and 2, or, 2 and 3.

Why on earth would they go 3x2? That's a huge reduction in capcity and revenue. The only reason why the narrow body MD products were 3x2 were the planes weren't wide enough for 3x3.

Chances are the lighting control will be located on the armrest like it is on the 767 and 777.

[Matt Molnar]

Not a fan of 3 and 3 seating. Figured on the new 737s they'd go 3 and 2, or, 2 and 3.

These aren't new 737s, they are simply new interiors for the existing models.

There has been some speculation that the future 737 replacement, whenever that may be, could have a twin aisle 2 x 2 x 2 configuration.

More details from Boeing:

787 Style in the World's Leading Single-Aisle Airplane
Drawing from years of research used to design the interior for the 787 Dreamliner, the 737 Boeing Sky Interior features new, 787-style modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals that draw passengers' eyes to the airplane's windows, giving passengers a greater connection to the flying experience. On a more practical note, the sidewall design integrates the air vent so that before-flight security checks go more quickly for maintenance staff.

The new design offers larger, pivoting overhead stowage bins that add to the openness of the cabin. The bins give more passengers room to store a carry-on roll-aboard near their own seat, adding both extra convenience and extra legroom.

Boeing redesigned reading-light switches so passengers can find them more easily and avoid accidentally pressing the flight-attendant call button.

Speakers are integrated into each row's passenger-service unit to improve sound and clarity of public address operations, while the new integrated air vent and improved noise-dampening materials reduce overall cabin noise.

More efficient, more clean
Changes to the Next-Generation 737 are more than cosmetic: Boeing is targeting a 2 percent reduction in fuel consumption by 2011 through a combination of airframe and engine improvements. Airplane structural improvements will reduce drag on the airplane, reducing fuel use by about 1 percent. Boeing's engine partner, CFM, is contributing the other 1 percent fuel savings through hardware changes to its engine.

Continental Airlines will make a Next-Generation 737-800 available to Boeing to flight test the performance improvements.

[Planesntrains]

Why on earth would they go 3x2? That's a huge reduction in capcity and revenue. The only reason why the narrow body MD products were 3x2 were the planes weren't wide enough for 3x3.

True...I just don't like getting stuck between two people is all. Personal preference thing, not economics. :D